Entry 8
My dreams spoke to me like ghosts, making me wake up in a cold sweat, gasping for air.
Tonight’s was no different. Again, I dreamt of her.
Our conversations didn’t feel like a dream—they were vivid enough that I awoke still thinking of them.
It made me wonder—had my guilt manifested this person?
Or was this individual out there, somewhere in the world, waiting for the chance to come to Greenport?
I was on the island. The sun was bright, the breeze was glorious. I was relaxed and happy thinking about Aggy and my friends, who would soon be saved. I walked alone on the beach, humming to myself. Then she appeared.
“Hello, Evelyn,” the woman said. I did not know her.
She was tall and pale, her stance strong, her dark hair held back by a scarf tied around her head.
She wore a waistcoat that was laced up the front and a dress so red it reminded me of blood.
The white lace around her collar was bright, contrasting sharply against her dark, inquisitive eyes.
Hanging from her waist was a sword that glinted in the light of day. She rested one hand on her weapon.
“Do I know you?” I asked, wondering how this woman knew my name.
“No, but I know you.” Somehow, she was instantly at my side, whispering in my ear. “You are the girl who is stealing some of my treasure.”
I inhaled sharply. Who was this woman? How did she know what I planned to do? “Your treasure? I thought it was Kimble’s.”
“Tesouro Eterno is meant to be mine,” she hissed, sounding like a snake.
She turned my rigid body to face hers, her breath hot as she shouted at me.
“Their job was to find my treasure and bring it to me! It was their debt to be paid! Instead, those traitors took it and cruelly left me stranded here! But they cannot trap me here forever! I am coming to reclaim what’s mine, and then they will face my fury! You all will!”
I started shaking. Her fingernails dug into my arms. “I’m sorry. Please. I didn’t know the treasure was someone else’s. I just want to save my friends. They’re ill.”
“Ill?” She stopped shouting and let go of me. She stepped back to study me curiously. “Are you saying the treasure you seek is not for your own gain?”
“No! It’s for my friends. I don’t mean to steal from you and Kimble! I know he just wants the treasure to be returned to its chest—but I can’t let my friends die.” I was yelling now too. That could have been unwise.
She was quiet for a moment. “Are you sure, child, that is what Kimble is trying to do with the treasure—return all the pieces?”
I nodded, silent tears falling down my cheeks. Guilt would eat me alive. “I believe so. I’m sorry for getting in his way,” I said again.
“Shhh… Don’t be frightened,” she said. She was somehow at my side again, stroking my hair. “Your truth gives me pause. We don’t have to be enemies. We can help each other end all of this. All you have to do is kiss my ring, and then I will come and take what’s mine.”
I blinked in confusion. Was that a code for something else? “I don’t understand.”
A hand waved in front of my face. On her index finger was a ring with a large green gemstone.
“When you need to call me, find this ring and put it on your right hand, then say, ‘Se é um tesouro que você procura, navegue esta semana.’ Repeat it back to me!” she commanded.
I didn’t know what language this woman spoke, but I tried my best to repeat the words back to her. “What does it mean?”
“‘If it is treasure you seek, you must sail this week.’ Kiss the ring, say those words, and I will come here and handle the traitors. Can you do as I ask? If you can, your family’s lives will be spared.”
I hesitated. Who was she? Was she going to hurt us? Was this a dream or real?
The woman grabbed my arm again, and I felt her pull her sword out of her sheath. I feared she would strike me down. “I asked you a question. Answer your queen!” Her voice was powerful.
“I can,” I said, wishing this dream would be over. “Where do I find this ring? I’ve never seen it before.”
“It will find you. When it does, steal it from her.” The tip of the sword came dangerously close to slashing my cheek. “Or else!”
“I will! But please, tell me your name,” I said, shivering.
“Lady Adrienne,” she said as she started to fade away along with the dream. “Don’t forget, Evelyn. Don’t forget!”
“No!” I sat up fast in bed, shivering and gasping for air.
It took me a moment to realize where I was: home, safe.
For now. I clutched my pounding heart and felt my neck.
I could almost believe a knife was being held to it this very moment.
Who was Lady Adrienne? How did she know Captain Kimble and me?
Was the dream real? If so, where was this ring she spoke of?
Outside, the rain softly pattered on the roof, and I tried in vain to calm down and go back to sleep.
That’s when I heard voices. I crept to my window, praying those creaky floorboards wouldn’t give me away.
If Mama knew I was eavesdropping, she would have my hide.
I walked on my toes, trying to be as light as air.
I looked down and saw two figures standing in shadow.
“Are you certain it was her?” I heard a voice ask.
“I believe so. Said she owned the Williamses farm, but I asked around. They haven’t sold.”
Papa. I leaned closer. Who was he talking to? The voice was masculine and vaguely familiar.
“She wears other’s lives and names like a coat, using them till she finds a new one she likes better. Beware.”
“What would she want with my wife or daughter?” Papa asked.
“I will see to it she doesn’t harm the girl. I give you my word.”
Papa laughed. “And I should trust you, pirate?”
I sat up fast and hit my head on the windowsill. Was that Captain Kimble? Papa knew him? How?
“Have I deceived you before? We’ve known each other a long time now. My work has always been true, no?”
“Yes,” Papa agreed somewhat reluctantly. “Your woodworking in particular is outstanding, but…”
“Keep your daughter away from her and the island. I will do the rest,” Kimble said.
“She will not leave the house. I will see to it,” Papa said, and then Kimble was gone.
I lay back down in bed, frightened. Papa knew about the island and Kimble?
How? I should have stopped my plan to seek treasure right there, but I couldn’t, even with Lady Adrienne’s warning stuck in my head.
Was it real or fantasy? I wasn’t certain.
All I knew was I had to save my friends from the Cough. Stealing the treasure was the only way.