Chapter 151: Agony of Loss

Isabel trudged back to the pirate camp, dragging her feetand what was left of her hopethrough the mud. Morris and Hann marched behind her.

"I knew you weren't to be trusted, girl," Morris spat as he pushed past Isabel and stomped into the clearing.

Isabel's heart clenched. What would Captain Morris do to Hann now that she had openly disobeyed him?

"I didn't wish to defy you, Father, but the lady has done nothing to deserve the punishment you intend."

"That is for me to decide!" Grabbing a stick, Morris squatted and poked at the fire, igniting the coals. "Egad, sit down." He gestured toward the logs the pirates had dragged around the fire. "'Tis my guess none of us will be sleeping tonight." He threw more sticks onto the rising flames.