James

  James breathed deeply, as he took in the fresh air of Neverland he was reminded of the years he had spent on the island with his brother.

  “Alright, Captain?” Lance asked his black hair seemed to be permanently windswept from the sea air.

  “Yes, just lost in memories,” James answered and stepped off the rowboat. Looking into the wild jungle forest, he couldn’t help but look for the light of a fairy.

  He had little doubt they knew he was there. Whether they announced his presence though he couldn’t guess, after all, fairies were unpredictable.

  “Your brother’s here?” Lance asked and looked warily at the shadows the trees gave off. James didn’t begrudge him his unease, Neverland didn’t like adults.

  The journey here had been hard. Rough seas and even rougher winds pushed them back for every inch they dared to take closer.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Then the mermaids had made their displeasure known as soon as the island had been in sight. Thankfully James was familiar with the magic of the island and had been able to navigate his crew around the worst of it.

  Glancing back at his ship James felt the familiar surge of pride. It had been hard, leaving the island at 16 but he had succeeded. Now he returned with stories of adventures and treasure he had collected.

  “Set up camp here men,” James ordered and waved ashore the crew-mates that had come with him. Only a small skeleton crew remained aboard Bella Dawn.

  It had taken several years to save up enough for the ship, but it had been worth it. A Braque worked perfectly for his role as a merchant.

  While his crew was still small they were loyal and skilled. Lance had once been a pirate, when he had barely escaped a hanging he had left that life behind him. But the call of the sea was still strong so when James had offered him a job, no questions asked he had jumped for it.

  Jonathan, Sam, and Andrew were raised on the sea, they were natural sailors who didn’t want to be fishermen like their father. The triplets could navigate their way through the fiercest storm with ease.

  Mart, they had picked up on a little island, had been stranded there for 4 years, and was a survival expert.

  James shook his head and focused, it was dangerous to get distracted on Neverland.