Abby the Witch by Odette C. Bell Read Free Book Online Page A

dispatch from Base this morning. It seems they
received your application to the Academy,' the Captain slowly fixed
his eyes on Pembrake and kept his gaze keen and unwavering. 'The
Admiral there is a friend of mine.'
    Pembrake
maintained his posture, perfectly straight and stiff like a
newly-carved mast. His belly may have been churning with
excitement, but he wasn't about to let the Captain know that. But
waiting for the Captain to tell him whether his application was
successful or not, was terrifying. If, through some miracle, his
application was granted, then Pembrake could kiss Bridgestock
goodbye and never have to return to this godforsaken place.
    'Your
application was successful,' it appeared the Captain had little
interest in drawing the matter on too long. 'You will assume
position at the Royal Naval Academy is seven months.'
    Pembrake
couldn't control his mouth any longer, and a huge grin spread
across his face. He felt like jumping for joy; finally he'd be
free.
    The Captain
joined in with a more measured smile. 'You have earned this.
Though, I fear perhaps that you are not doing this for the right
reasons, it is still a valuable career move on your part.'
    A touch of
cold spread across Pembrake's back. 'Sorry, sir,' he said quickly
before he could contain himself, 'what do you mean, sir, when you
say that I'm not doing it for the right reasons?'
    The Captain
did not reprimand him for his insubordination, after all, it was
not Pembrake's place to second guess his Captain. 'I fear that, and
do not take this as an insult – you are running away from
Bridgestock.'
    Pembrake tried
to maintain an even, unaffected look, but the Captain's comment
riled him. 'Permission to speak freely, sir?'
    The Captain
waved him on.
    'I am not
running away, I am simply running towards something more
challenging. There's nothing Bridgestock can offer me anymore.'
    The Captain
nodded slowly, as if he agreed, at least in principle, with what
Pembrake was saying. 'The Academy will be good for you, son, I'm
sure of it. But I still fear that you have given up on her, your
home. Just because she has spiralled into a dark depression,
doesn't mean you should turn your back on your homeland.'
    Pembrake
fought down the desire to raise his voice. 'Forgive me, sir, but
Bridgestock is a death trap. It speeds further and further towards
destruction every year. Its people are more and more vicious,
bile-filled, and hateful each time I go back. And soon the Colonel
will assume control, I'm sure, and then it really will have reached
the point of no return.' Pembrake's cheeks flushed and he found his
fingers digging hard into his palms.
    The Captain,
always unflappable, did not seem to mind the energy crackling
through his First Officer's tone. 'Is not the racist the one who
shows hatred to a group he considers irredeemably different to
himself? You speak of the bile of Bridgestock, yet speak of it
yourself with bile-filled words. You speak of them as hating
others, yet you hate them in response. And worst of all, you think,
you claim, you believe that they can never change.'
    Pembrake
recoiled slightly, not at the Captain's delivery, which was soft
and eloquent, but at the realisation his words brought.
    'You've given
up on them,' the Captain said clearly, 'and you have no right to.
You figure, perhaps rightly, that there is no way
that you can change this situation, that you alone cannot
heal the wound that poisons your city. But, Pembrake, unless you
try, then you will only be right.'
    Pembrake
straightened his back, pulled himself up as tall as he could, but
did not say a word.
    'Take your
position. But remember, don't turn your back on Bridgestock. Don't
become bitter, don't become twisted, and if you see an opportunity
to fix your city – then take it.'
    Bridgestock, 6 months
ago….
    He took off
his new, crisp white hat and hid it under one arm. He knocked
again.
    Finally he
heard several quick footsteps behind the door.
    He took a