Love Inspired Historical July 2015 Box Set: The Marriage Agreement\Cowgirl for Keeps\The Lawman's Redemption\Captive on the High Seas (85 page)

Chapter Seventeen

N
icolaus gritted his teeth. He was happy to see his brother, but he would rather have waited to see him after his father had declared Nicolaus the winner of the challenge. Jasen's presence could only mean he'd lost, which meant he lost his chance to search for Desma. He would not ask his father for use of one of his ships, granting him false hope. Witnessing his heartache once had been enough.

“Have you treated your crew so awful that you've reverted to using women and children?” Jasen asked with a teasing glint in his eye. It was good to see his brother.

“No. We came across a fishing boat near Joppa in need of repairs.”

“And you thought it necessary to bring them home?”

“Only these,” Nicolaus said as he handed the babe to Ada, and then gripped his brother in a hug. “Since Mother has been hounding us to marry so she can experience grandchildren I figured having these little ones will pacify her for a time.”

Jasen patted him on the back. “It is good to see you home. When you did not return...”

“I am well, brother. I am well.”

Nicolaus pulled back from Jasen and motioned for the children to move forward. “This is Edith and Galen, and that—” he pointed to the babe “—is their brother. It seems they fled their island when a volcano erupted and were met by thieves. Their mother was taken.”

Jasen's nostrils flared as color rose into his cheeks. “These children were left to fend for themselves?”

“They were left along with many old women and a few old men. They had not the resources to care for them. I could not leave them to the mercies of another.”

Jasen nodded, and then tipped his chin toward Ada. “What of her? She has not the look of a Greek, and I cannot see any thief leaving her behind.”

“This is Ada. She is from Ashkelon.” Nicolaus chose not to say any more. His brother did not need to know he had purchased her, not yet.

“I was preparing the vessel to leave on the morrow to go in search of you.”

“We sailed into a storm, and Ada became sick with fever. We ported near Yaya's until the repairs to the mast could be made and Ada recovered.”

“I had wondered. I may beat you at father's challenges when it comes to sailing but not by days. You caused me great concern.”

“My apologies, Jasen. I did not mean to worry you.”

“Come, I would ease our parents' worry.”

Although he didn't wish for Ada to be out of his sight, he wasn't yet ready to face his father and the constant sadness, especially in light of what he'd learned from Knosis. “I have duties to tend to before I can release the men. I only wished to remove the children from the dangers on deck as we unload the merchandise.” Nicolaus smiled. “You'll be pleased with all you've won.”

“I already am.” Jasen's lips turned up at the corners as he puffed out his chest.

“All that is on board belongs to you except Ada and the crate from Egypt.”

“Egypt? You could not have sailed so far.”

It was Nicolaus's turn to puff out his chest and grin. “Could I have not? The proof is in the goods.”

“There may still be hope for you to win yet, Nicolaus, as Father goes over our records. Go finish your tasks before Father wears a hole in the tiles waiting for your arrival and Mother burns another meal.”

Nicolaus stilled. His pulse even halted. Could it be his parents actually worried over his absence? With the grief marring his mother's face and his father's eyes the last he saw them, he thought it would be little consequence for him to leave. Of course, their youngest son was beneath his care. That could be the only cause for their worry. “I will bring Brison before long, as well.”

He quickly turned away and stalked toward his ship so his jealousy wouldn't get the best of him as his brother escorted Ada toward his parents' home. He met Chloe and Xandros halfway and pointed them toward Jasen. When he spied Ada with her shoulders hunched around the babe as if she were scared, he had second thoughts about leaving her to his brother's care. Truth was, he couldn't leave his vessel until it was emptied of all cargo and the decks scrubbed down.

No matter how much he wanted to walk away from his duties and stand by Ada's side.

* * *

“Do you speak?” Nicolaus's brother, an exact image of him, asked in a language spoken often by her father, eyeing her as if she were a leper.

“Yes,” She returned in his language.

His eyes grew wide. He began to smile and then he laughed. “I see, and even in our own dialect. Who taught you such?”

“My father.”

“Are you lame, then?”

Ada shook her head, not understanding why he would think she suffered some ailment.

“My brother did not say he purchased you, but since no thief would leave a prize such as yourself on board a ship, I can only assume he did. Are you his slave?” He sounded perplexed.

“Ay.”

“Hmm.”

Her cheeks heated over his assessment.

“Well, come along.” He crouched near Edith, and she hid behind Ada's legs. “Would you like me to carry you? It is a long walk for such a little girl.”

Ada caught her breath as she followed his pointing finger. It was so high and big. Imposing. “Is that yo-your home?”

Jasen laughed. “My parents' home. Nicolaus and I live in a room above the storehouses when we are in port so no one will be tempted to steal from us.”

She couldn't take her eyes off the home. Nicolaus's parents must be important to have a house overlooking the village and the port. It was as if they owned it all.

“It is all right, Edith. This is the captain's brother.”

The little girl peeked around her leg and shook her head.

“She's never seen two of anyone a'fore,” Galen said. “Can we go to the tower?”

“The captain said he'd take you tomorrow as long as you listened.”

Galen bounced up and down. “I am listening.”

Jasen swung Edith up onto his shoulders. “Are you ready?”

Ada glanced at the house once more and nodded her head. They climbed up a cobbled path that twisted and turned, but was not any more burdensome than walking from her home to Ashkelon had been. Besides, the scenery, much different from her own home, kept her occupied. The lush green trees, patches of colorful flowers and the most breathtaking were the glimpses of mountains standing sentry in the sea. She'd always been taken with the things of God's creation. The animals, the grains of sand, the blooms on the olive tree plants, the sweetness of honey, but this—this was beyond anything she could have imagined. How could God grant these people such a blessing and yet they not call on his name?

They halted on a paved entryway, which gave her an open view of the mountains in the sea, the many boats bobbing in the port below. The sky and sea seemed to go on and on, coming together as one at the end.

“Ada,” Jasen said as he swung Edith to the ground, “I will return in a moment. I must prepare my parents for their unexpected guests.”

Her cheeks flamed, and she wished Nicolaus was here to ease her fears, but with his ever changing mood would her fears only heighten? Although she'd had many chores at home, they were nothing compared to what would be expected as a slave. She pushed back her reservations and determined to face her future with as much grace as her mother had carried during her own captivity.

“Hello.” Ada turned to find the most stunning woman approaching her. Although her hair had long lost its color, it was intricately braided with a gold band wrapping around its length. She wore a white gown, much like Nicolaus's, but it was sealed over both shoulders with broaches and draped past her ankles.

Ada fought the urge to look at her feet and ankles, knowing her tunic didn't look as lovely as this woman's gown.

“I am Rena, Nicolaus's mother.”

Ada felt her mouth open as she stared. Rena motioned for a servant to come forward. “The children will go with Agnes, and you'll come with me.”

Ada held back the tears as Agnes took the children from her. The woman seemed kind but she would have liked a chance to give the children her blessings before never seeing them again.

“All will be well, you will see,” Rena said. Although her voice spoke calm and truth, Ada was little reassured. “Come along now. There's a bath waiting.”

Ada pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. After days of sea salt clinging to her skin, she looked forward to bathing but had little hopes of it given her status. She silently thanked God for the blessing and followed Nicolaus's mother through a courtyard and into a bathing chamber. A delicious aroma, one she could not discern, filled the air. She closed her eyes and sniffed.

“'Tis juniper leaves and lavender. It will help you to relax and cleanse any illness remaining in your body.”

Ada drew her eyebrows together. How did she know of her illness? As if she read her mind, she answered. “Jasen told me you were ill and treated at my mother's home.”

“Yes, that is true.”

Tiles of various colors formed pictures of men and animals on the walls and the floor, but that was not what caught her eye. Two gold medallions hung on the wall, spewing water into two separate pottery basins large enough for her to sit. There was a fire beneath one, causing steam to rise into the chamber. A servant dipped a bucket into the steaming water and dumped it into a cistern.

“Is that dangerous?” She'd heard of such a thing before while she served a meal to her father and his guests, but her imaginings never conjured something so grand. Her short dips in the stream were pleasant enough when she chanced to get one, but most times she had to make do with a basin of water and a cloth.

“No, dear, it is quite pleasant.” Smiling, Rena grabbed hold of Ada's hand, led her to the cistern. She knelt beside the pool and swirled her fingers into the water. Glancing at Ada, she motioned for her to kneel, as well. “See, it is warm. This time of the year can leave a chill in the air.”

Ada knelt beside Nicolaus's mother. Her hand hovered above the water. It seemed too much to ask for a slave such as she to enjoy something so beautiful. Before she gave in to the urge to flee, she dipped her fingers into the water. Her eyes widened. “It is much warmer than the sea.”

Rena laughed. “Is that where you bathe at home?”

Ada rose. Her eyes went back to the water trickling out of the walls. “No. I became ill, and a—a wave swept me off the boat and into the water.”

“Oh, dear.” Rena grabbed hold of Ada's hands and stepping back, looked her over from head to toe. “What was my son thinking?”

“He—”

“No matter. I am quite certain what was on my son's mind. However, I wonder if he had a clue himself.” Rena squeezed her fingers and smiled. “Laurel will see to your needs.” Nicolaus's mother walked away, her head high and shoulders straight. Ada had never seen a queen, but she imagined they would look like Rena. Ada's insides shook. The tears pressing against the backs of her eyes stung. Rena stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Ada, you are a guest in my home.”

A guest? Not a slave? Ada worried her lip. She gazed out the window overlooking the valley and sea below. What sort of place was this where slaves were treated as guests?

Chapter Eighteen

N
icolaus slipped off his sandals and hooked his fingers through the straps. The pathway made of small stones cooled his feet, bringing relief to them after standing on the deck for so long. The small creek bubbled nearby, and he longed to show Ada the delicate beauty hidden beneath the canopy of trees.

It had taken longer than Nicolaus would have liked to get the ship unloaded and the goods locked in the storehouse, but he had allowed Brison to take command of the merchandise. Although he was slower than Nicolaus and Jasen, he had categorized the crates and made notes by each entry with great ability. Their father would be pleased, but Nicolaus couldn't help but wonder if Brison would be better suited to another profession. One that required him to keep his feet on land, one where he'd be less likely to encounter dangerous storms and villains.

He glanced up the hill to see how much farther they had to go. They should have been home already except Brison ascended the pathway ahead of him. His brother's muscles strained against the weight in his arms, which he insisted he carry. It was near too heavy for Nicolaus, but his brother seemed to manage. “Would you like me to carry that, little brother?”

“I've got it,” he grunted through gasps of air.

“You would not wish to drop Mother's gifts.”

An indistinguishable mutter made Nicolaus laugh. “You know, Father will be pleased to see whiskers on your chin. After seventeen years of gracing us with your presence it is about time, too.”

Perhaps his jests would frustrate Brison and cause his feet to move faster. Now that he'd had time away from Ada, he was certain he was ready to see her and not lose his mind like a lunatic. However, if Brison did not hurry, Nicolaus would never know, especially considering each passing moment made him more anxious to lay eyes on her, to see how she was faring in his father's household.

His brother came to an abrupt stop and peeked around the crate. “Would you like to go around? You must be anxious to see Mother.” An impertinent smile curved Brison's mouth. “No. Perhaps it is Father you're in such a haste to see. Hmm, I think not. I'm guessing it's Ada who has you dreaming with your eyes open and muttering in your sleep.”

“I've done no such thing.” Nicolaus playfully punched Brison's arm and stole the crate from his hands. “Come along, little brother. No doubt Mother wishes to kiss her youngest son's cheeks.”

Nicolaus took long strides in order to quicken the pace. Brison was quick on his heels. In a matter of moments they reached the terrace, and Nicolaus turned to his brother. “See how quickly one can move when he has the strength to bear his burdens.”

“I was doing fine.” Brison clenched his hands at his sides, and then he looked past Nicolaus. His mouth fell open.

Nicolaus turned to see what had caused his talkative brother to lose speech, and all the air left his lungs. Instead of her light-colored hair artfully piled about her head, or braided like his mother was wont to do, it hung loose down Ada's back. Two gold clasps closed the chiton over her shoulders, leaving her slender arms bare. The loose fabric gathered at her waist with a leather belt, flared at her hips and hid her legs from his sight. The difference in their clothing was stark. If she was not standing before him in the flesh and blood he'd have thought one of the marble statues his people were so fond of had come to life to torment him. However, she was more lovely, more beautiful than any woman, statue or not, that he'd ever seen. No wonder his men had been captivated by her.

He'd much prefer his men catching glimpses of her ankles than her entire arm. At least her ankles were not within easy sight unless a man was lying on his belly. He'd much prefer her hair tied in knots than hanging loose, but then everyone would notice her slender neck and the graceful tilt of her chin. He'd planned on taking her back to the vessel on the morrow while he finished up a few chores before he took Galen on an exploration, but no doubt he'd have to cover her from stem to stern before he did such a thing.

“Would you like it if I took that from you, Nicolaus?”

Jasen stepped in front of him, blocking his view. He peered around Jasen for one last look. Ada's cheeks turned pink, and she bowed her head. Jasen shifted in front of him. Nicolaus blinked the haze of Ada from his eyes and tried to focus. “What?”

Jasen laughed. “What did I say, Mother?”

Nicolaus glared at his brother. Jasen winked as he lifted the crate from Nicolaus's hands. “All the way from Egypt? Or so he says.”

“I brought you wool, as well, Mother.”

“My thanks, Nicky, but let me first greet my boys before you report to your father.” She kissed his cheek. “It is glad I am to have you return, Nicky.” And then she gathered Brison into her arms. “It is not easy seeing the last of your womb become a man. Look at the hair on your chin.” Her eyes watered. Recalling her emotions when Jasen and Nicolaus began to grow beards, he felt sorry for his younger brother. “Come along, your father wishes to see you first.”

Jasen gave Nicolaus one last look and then nodded. He had no idea what his brother was approving. He hadn't won this challenge, at least not with speed. “Father will expect you soon.”

He watched Jasen's back until he disappeared into the shadows of the courtyard. His gaze flung to where Ada remained. His pulse quickened. He struggled for air.

She'd grown more beautiful as the light faded across the sky. The lavender oil on her heated skin created a new scent, something exotic to his senses.

He blew out an exasperated breath. What was he doing? He could not think of her in such a way and keep his head. Not when he was about to speak with his father and discover if he'd truly won or lost.

* * *

“Ada, would you mind crushing these?” Rena asked.

She took the bowl of almonds and pestle from Nicolaus's mother, found a spot on the floor and sat. Rena smiled. “What is it you are doing? You can stand here beside me, there is plenty of room.”

Ada moved to stand beside Rena and ran her hand over the smooth table. “We do not have tables such as these at home.” She bowed her head. “And slaves rarely work so close to the family at my home. My father's wife does not tolerate slaves in her presence unless they are performing a chore for her.”

Rena laid her hand over Ada's. “I am sorry, Ada. As I said, you are my guest and will be treated as such until you leave my home. Besides Nicolaus's father, my slaves have become my closest friends. I expect we'll become great friends, too.”

Not knowing what to say, Ada ground the pestle against the almonds. She'd never had a friend before, not even her sisters.

“Do you miss them, your family?”

The pestle clattered to the table. She snatched it up and continued grinding the almonds. At first she had missed them, but only because she feared what was ahead of her. Now...she would know if her father chose the actions of her sisters, but... “No, I do not miss them. I have not thought of them much except to compare their character to Nicolaus's, which I now realize is unfair to him.”

“I do not understand.” Rena halted Ada's actions with her hand. “You are not close to your siblings?”

Ada glanced to the floor, embarrassment burning her cheeks. “No. I am not like them. I am the daughter of a Hebrew slave. Their mother is free. They did not like that I received the same privileges as they did.”

“How did my son end up purchasing you?”

“He thought to rescue me.” She explained to Rena how Dina and her other sisters had traded her for a gold band. One corner of Ada's mouth curved upward. “I suppose he did considering the alternative. My other bidder was a procurer. I'm afraid I was none too kind to Nicolaus. I even accused him of stealing me from my home. At the time I was consumed with grief over the death of my mother and anger over my sisters' betrayal.”

“I am sorry.”

“I am not. She is now free to rest with our ancestors.” Ada lifted the pestle and grimaced at the fine powder she'd turned them into. “I think I should try again.”

Rena smiled. “No, it is fine. We will sprinkle it over the fish along with the garlic. It will make for a delicious aroma.” She pointed toward cloves of garlic in a bowl. “You can grind those now, if you would like.”

“Of course. After days of being idle I am glad to have my hands busy.”

Unfortunately her mind continued to wander to Nicolaus. The way he'd looked—stared—at her when he had arrived still left her stomach fluttering and her knees wobbly. If she could get that consuming fire burning in his eyes out of her thoughts she'd be all right. She'd be able to draw in air with ease, she'd be able to convince herself she wasn't already in love with him, because surely that look hadn't conveyed his love for her. It couldn't. She wouldn't allow it, but if he did...

“Ada, would you take the hydria and fill it with water? The well is in the center of the courtyard.”

“Yes, of course.” Leaving the pestle in the bowl, she took up the black painted jar that looked like their earthenware jars at home and carried it to the courtyard. She placed it on the ledge of the well and drew up the bucket.

“Father.” Nicolaus's voice bounced off the courtyard walls. She looked around for him but did not see them. “I do not argue that I lost. However, I purchased her with my own coin.” There was a moment of silence. She imagined Nicolaus spearing his fingers through his hair or running his hand over his beard. “You must understand, I was broken when Desma was taken from my protection. When I saw Ada on that auction block I knew the only way to ease my guilt was to save her, there is nothing more.”

The sound of pottery shattering against the marble made her jump. Pain sliced down the center of her chest. She was nothing more than an object to assuage his guilt. How had she thought he longed for her love? Had the look in his eyes deceived her?

“The challenge was all merchandise on the winning vessel would go to the winner. That includes your slave.”

Ada gasped. Was she now to become Jasen's property? What would he do with her? She did not wish to know any more. Even though Jasen and Nicolaus looked alike, she would not have the problem of loving her master if she did become his property, which was just as well with her, especially since she seemed to be a guilt offering for Nicolaus.

And nothing more.

She filled the hydria with water and rushed back into the kitchen. “Where would you have me place this?”

Rena glanced over her shoulder. “Are you well, Ada?”

Ada drew in a ragged breath and nodded. “I am tired from the journey.”

“Of course you are.” Rena took the hydria from her. “Why don't you cut the onions? We break with custom here and eat with the men.”

Ada's eyes grew wide. Was she to further suffer by breaking another meal with Nicolaus?

“Even our house slaves dine with us. Once a week we invite all of our slaves to eat with us. It is nice, living here and being able to make our own customs. As I said, they are my friends as well as my husband's.”

If Nicolaus's father was so friendly then why was he giving her to Jasen?

Rena propped the hydria on her hip and grabbed a bowl of cakes. “I would suggest you seek your rest. However, my husband is anxious to meet you.”