William took the tray and dress to the kitchen down on the lower deck. She wants a broom and a hair brush. I can get the broom but the brush will be up to the captain.

William told the cook to clean the dress and rushed back up to the upper deck to speak to Captain James.

Captain James stood at the table looking over the map and discussing something with John. He looked up to see William walking over to him a broom in his hand.

"Is there a reason you are walking around with a broom?" Captain James asked. John chuckled and shook his head.

"The lady asked for a broom. She also asked for a hair brush sir." William shuffled his feet.

Captain James looked at John and then back at William. "Well I guess this is a job for me." Captain James laughed and took the broom from William. "I'll be right back John just keep us going north for a while. I don't want to make port until we have to." Captain James slapped John on the shoulder and laughed at William again and headed to the cabin with the broom in hand.

It felt like hot coal. Stormy felt the hot metal around her neck grow hotter as the iron was heated and beat into place. A collar for a slave. The hammer struck again as she struggled with the ropes that held her down. Sweat pooled in the hollow of her throat and rolled down her temples. Smoke and the smell of burnt flesh and hair fill her nose. Pain. So much pain from her neck and shoulders. She saw herself struggle from above. She could not see the men's faces, but their voices were all too clear and rough on her ears. Again the feeling of hot metal raced around her throat. She ground her teeth and held in her scream. Tears rolled from her eyes as another hot link was added. Finally the chain was finished. The heat was still there and the pain grew every breath. A man's face appeared above her. He spoke, but she couldn't hear his words. She read the words forever, mine, and slave. Her heart raced and the pain increased. Then suddenly Captain James appeared and snatched her away. His arms gentle and warm.

Captain James was reaching for the door when he heard Buddy start wimpering. A strangled cry, and a sob hit him causing him to snatch the door open. Stormy was on the bed holding her throat trashing about. She was having a nightmare of some sort.

"No. Stop..I don't want it. It hurts stop. Please!" She cried.

Captain James rushed to her side and grabbed her shoulders shaking her. "Wake up its just a dream. Wake up I'm here."

She stopped trashing and grabbed his shirt sobbing. Suddenly she pushed away and grabbed the chain at her throat and pulled her fingers tracing the entire leangth to find a clasp that wasn't there. She franticly tried to remove the chain but failed. Sobbing she dropped her head into her Hands.

"It won't come off. It burned so much and I can't get it off." She let Captain James pull her back into his arms and rub her back.

He listened to her and had watched her, the confusion of the whole thing puzzled him. Buddy sat by the bed his jaws propped on the bed watching them. Soon Stormy was back asleep and Captain James took the opportunity to look closer at the chain that she was pulling at.

It was a solid gold chain, no clasp or weak link. It was too small to fit over her head and it wouldn't break unless he hurt her yanking it off. He'd never seen this kind of jewelry before and the small scares he now saw on the side of her neck worried him more.

The only person who might could answer his questions was the ships doctor. He was Arabian and knew more of jewelry and herbal medicine than anyone else on board. He was sure Borak would have answers.

Captain James laid Stormy down on the bed and pushed the books to the floor. After covering her with a light blanket he left to find the only person who could answer his questions.

Borak was sitting at a small table in the kitchen corner. Several books open in front of him. A box of candles sat on the floor by a small rolled up rug. Borak was a small built man, but quick with a sword as thick as his arm. He knew of healing and dabbled in jewels more often then sword play. He looked up when Captain James walked up to him.

"I need you to come to my cabin. It's important, and I'd like you to come now if you can." Captain James didn't say anything more. He was worried about Stormy and he wanted to get back to her.

Borak nodded and they made their way to the cabin. Borak was sure it was something to do with the woman on board. He heard small things about her, but he wondered what it was that intrigued the others. He would find out soon enough.

Captain James and Borak studied the chain. Borak said nothing he shook his head and picked up her wrist. A ring around both wrist and the scares on her neck proof enough for Borak to give his answer.

"She is a slave." He pointed at the chain. "That is a collar, and the rope burns on her wrist and the burn scares on her neck tells me this was done within the past year. Maybe even a month."

Captain James asked, "Why a collar made of gold chain? Why have it welded on? Who would do this?"

Borak scratched his chin. "I've only seen this kind of collar on the women of King Jabbar's harem. Only his bought concubines of high value have gold chains. The lesser valued ones have silver or bronze. She is in high value and he will be looking for her." Borak placed a hand on her forehead. "She does not have a fever, but I will make her a tea to help her sleep."

William silently cleaned up the room as the Captain and Borak talked. The sleeping girl was a part of the ship now, even if no one knew it. The furniture and shelves all bolted down held almost nothing. William quickly place the books on the shelves and closed the small doors to hold them in place. What was left of the whiskey tumblers he placed back into the whiskey cabinet. Everything else he swept away.

When the lady woke up he wanted her to be happy. She is now his Captain's woman after all. She was pretty like an angel, and had a temper like a storm at sea. The Captain is a lucky man. William just hoped this one wouldn't get away.

Buddy, curled on the floor beside the bed. His eyes flashed from one man to the next, just watching. His instincts telling him all was safe.