The Ship of Lost Souls 1 by Rachelle Delaney Read Free Book Online Page B

reveal a blockish head and limbs that looked like they belonged on an adult rather than a thirteen-year-old boy. Lucas’s skin stretched tight over his bones, as if trying desperately to stop them from growing even more. He stuck out a large hand, calloused from carpentry chores, and muttered his name. Gil Jenkins followed suit, always imitating his much larger companion’s manners. In Scarlet’s opinion, Lucas Lawrence was the last person on earth anyone ought to imitate, but she kept those thoughts to herself. Most of the time.
    â€œSo you’re a ship of . . . children?” Jem asked once the introductions were over. He still looked like he’d been walloped in the gut.
    â€œSpeak for yourself, lad.” Smitty stuck out his chest with pride. “I just turned thirteen.”
    â€œWe’re all between thirteen”—Scarlet gestured to Smitty, Lucas, and a few of the other boys—“and eight.” She nodded at little Ronagh, who wrinkled her nose. “I’m twelve,” Scarlet added. She didn’t have to look at Lucas to know he was sneering.
    Jem looked at her but avoided her eyes. “I didn’t get your name,” he told her chin.
    â€œOh. Well, I’m Captain McCray. But everyone calls me Scarlet.” Once again she stretched out her hand, and once again Jem only stared.
    â€œYou’re the captain?” he said.
    Smitty clapped a hand on Jem’s shoulder. “You’ll get used to it, Jem. This one’s no damsel in distress. Don’t even think about holding a door open for her.” Scarlet swatted him upside the head. “Now, mates,” Smitty continued, “we’ve got a jolly bounty, which those pirates so kindly donated to our cause. And we’ve got a new crew member. I’d say it’s time for a midnight celebration.”
    The Lost Souls cheered and broke from their huddle to scatter every which way across the deck.
    â€œSomeone check the sails first!” Scarlet hollered after them. Then she turned to Jem, ready to offer him a dry spot on the floor in one of the cabins.
He must be exhausted, being kidnapped and rescued all in a day,
she thought. But Jem had suddenly turned a sickly shade of green, and it occurred to Scarlet that they might have consulted him before making the “new crew member” announcement.

    The sound of Liam Flannigan’s pipe flute and Smitty’s off-key warble twirled on an easterly wind that teased the sails of the
Margaret’s Hop
. Ronagh Flannigan and the younger pirates sat cross-legged on the deck with a small feast in front of them, including dried herring smothered in strawberry preserves—both stolen from the pirates. Tim and a pair of pale twins named Emmett and Edwin stood nearby, examining the spectacles they’d lifted off the whiny little captain with the impossibly long name. Tim clapped his hands in time with Liam’s tune as the ship’s unofficial musician hopped around, flute to his lips. Smitty followed Liam’s steps, singing tunelessly over mouthfuls of fresh oyster, also pinched during that evening’s raid and despised by everyone else on board. “Ain’t it plunderful to be a pirate?” Smitty sang.
    Scarlet looked down on the fun from the fo’c’sle, where she’d stationed herself to scan the dark waters for unexpected obstacles like islands or other ships. But only miles of blackest night stretched before her. She smiled at the sight of her crew in a celebratory mood. Her plan had worked: They’d fulfilled their mission by helping a child in need. Below her, Smitty launched into his favorite sea chantey in his best crusty pirate voice.
    Â 
    I’m not your average buccaneer,
    A bully on the waters.
    I’m still too young to grow a beard—
    No need to hide your daughters.
    (Yet.)
    Â 
    A jolly life we lead upon
    The fair and sparkling sea.
    I won’t go back; forevermore
    A