A Pirate's Life For Me

Chapter Four

Ashley had long since given in on her attempts. She knew that she would never escape. However, she had made them promise that they'd keep her safe, take care of her and let her see her family and home again one day. Gabriel had thought it was a fair price and had all his crew agree to it. She was now gazing out to sea. Up ahead, there seemed to be a wall where the air was shimmering and shifting. She turned to the pirate near her. The pirate had short brown hair and reddish-brown eyes.
"Is that where we're headed?" Ashley asked, pointing at shimmering air. The pirate nodded, "Yes,"
As The Nightmare headed towards it, it became clear that there was a beautiful island hidden behind the wall. Slowly The Nightmare crossed the barrier. Everyone on board either gasped or shivered. The sensation sent tingles all across Ashley's body. Gabriel walked on deck, his face serious. She glanced at him. He raised his voice so everyone could hear, "Everyone stay in board, I've known killer sharks to swim in these waters!"
Ashley whimpered and looked down into the water. The pirate with the short hair gave an exasperated look, "Don't tell me you're gonna try and see one," She sighed. Ashley gave her an offended in return,
"Of course not! I want to see if there are any turtles!"

After about an hour, Ashley grew tired. She slumped forward onto the rail. And then several things happened at once. She over-balanced. She felt her knee scraped against the side of the ship. She splashed into the sea. It took her moment to realise that there were sharks coming. She screamed for helped.
Immediately, Gabriel gave the order to drop the anchor and sent down a rope, yelling for the princess to take hold. She gladly and desperately did so. The sharks were drawing worryingly close now. Heaving with all his might, Gabriel slowly hauled the princess aboard. Some of the crew gathered medical supplies and blankets while others shot guns and harpoons at the sharks. There was a terrible scream and Gabriel felt a sharp tug on the end of the rope. He redoubled his efforts. Seeing her brother was fighting a losing battle, Bethany added her weight to the rope. Pirates sent harpoon after harpoon at the sharks while the siblings hauled Ashley aboard. Eventually they just about managed to make the shark let go and heave Ashley aboard. They sat there panting while a medic attended to the bite on Ashley's leg. After a while, the princess spoke up,
"I believe a thank you is in order," She said breathlessly. Gabriel smiled,
"Just trying to gain your trust," He was even more breathless than she was. Then again, he had been playing a deadly tug of war with a shark. Ashley gave him a grateful smile, "You've saved my life, how can I not trust you after that?"
Bethany squeaked.