arson returned to the main deck just as Radnor was calling up to the crow's nest. It was a large wooden bucket for the lookout to safely stand watch far across the water.

 "Report if you see any change," he shouted to the lookout.

 "Aye!" was the response.

 Garson joined Radnor standing near the helm and took the spyglass the second in command gave him.

 "About two miles ahead, Captain," Radnor told him.

 Garson raised the spyglass to his eye and watched as a ship came into view. It was barely noticeable from his vantage point in comparison to the crow's nest, but he could make out enough.

 "We've been moving closer since they appeared," Radnor added.

 "They slowed down or we sped up?" Garson asked as he returned the brass and leather telescope.

 "Our speed and our course have been even," Radnor replied with a nod to the helmsman.

 "Aye, Captain," agreed Orin. "Wind's been fair and I've kept us straight since last you were here."

 Garson stared ahead and leaned on the railing beside the wheel.

 "Should we continue until we reach them?" asked Radnor. "If we keep this course and rate and they don't change theirs, we'll be upon them in less than an hour."

 Garson shook his head. "This is the last place we want to engage in battle. If we haven't changed since they came into view, it's they who have. They slowed their speed to wait for us, but not enough for us to realize it's what they've done. They underestimate the wisdom of this crew."

 "They underestimate the wisdom of our captain," called out one of the crewmen from below. 

 Several of the men cheered in agreement, and Garson quietly sighed in relief he still had loyalty after the incident surrounding Evie.

 "Slow our speed," he ordered the crew at the sails. "Keep us away from them.

 Lookout!" he called up. "Keep vigil over the sea. Watch for other ships to enter these waters and for other ships joining the one we follow."

 "Aye, Cap'n!" came the reply.

 "They could be a lone enemy or baiting us for another vessel," Garson told Radnor and Orin. "We won't do their bidding. We've just made repairs from the last battle and the tar is still drying."

 "Aye, Captain," Radnor and Orin agreed with his assessment.

 "Come with me," he told Radnor as he headed toward the stairs.

 Radnor followed as Garson led him to a storeroom one deck below the main. They climbed down the stairs and stepped inside to look around at several crates and trunks.

 "She needs clothes," he told him in a hushed tone so the others wouldn't hear.

 The less they heard of her, the less they would think of her.

 "Would there be dresses here?" asked Radnor looking over their loot.

 "I don't suppose it has to be a dress," Garson replied. "In fact, a dress would cause trouble. Look for men's clothes close to her size."

 Radnor chuckled. "She's a wee thing, Captain. I'll have to look for a child's wardrobe."

 Garson shook his head as he approached the first trunk. "She isn't that small."

 Radnor grinned and they began looking.

 "I spoke with Ronan," Radnor told him as he searched a trunk on the other side of the one Garson searched. "He said you gave her a good scare. Other things, too."

 Garson squinted his eyes and glared at Radnor.

 "I know, I know," Radnor said with a lower tone. "She's your property and we have no say in what you do with her. I was only wondering ..."

 When he didn't finish his thought, Garson huffed.

 "Speak," he ordered.

 Radnor smiled a little.

 "I was with Orin at the wheel when you claimed her," he admitted. "We heard her screams. We were the only two up there, but I'm certain others heard. We've never known you to take a woman like that. Sure, you don't stop the crew when they do it, but they know you don't agree with it. Ronan suspected you did it to save her from them. He said he told her as much."

 Garson stopped looking and shut the lid to the trunk as he waited for Radnor to continue.

 Radnor stepped closer and looked around to be certain they were alone.

 "She asked questions and he told her the truth about life aboard a ship like ours," Radnor continued. "He said she was afraid you would send others in to have their way with her. He believes he put her fears to rest, but it would mean more coming from you.

 It isn't my place to tell the captain how to handle his woman, but I think she needs to be assured you won't let that happen. I haven't seen her, but Ronan said she was frightened out of her mind."

 Garson opened another trunk and shifted around the contents until he finally found something he could give her.

 "Before I left the cabin, I told her only you and Ronan are allowed inside," he informed him. "I told her you would call out after knocking so she knows it's you. I had her bolt the door. I'm certain she knows I won't let the crew have her."

 As he pulled several items out of the trunk, Radnor grabbed his arm.

 "Garson, what are you doing?" he asked.

 Garson stared at him a moment in question.

 "I've never seen you this protective of a woman other than our mother," he said, lowering his voice again. "You've never been protective of anyone, really. I recall you once saying if someone can't fend for themselves, it was heaven ridding the world of weakness. I know she's a woman but that hasn't softened that cold heart of yours in years."

 Radnor watched as Garson shook away his hand and slammed the lid shut.

 "Take this to her and mind your manners," he said as he shoved the bundle in Radnor's arms. "Brother or not, you're never to question my decisions again."

 Radnor watched the captain storm out of the room without saying another word. He shook his head and worried how far Garson would take this ... whatever "this" was. He sighed and hurried to do as told.