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She could hear beautiful music drifting across the night air and rippling through the water outside. Blanket in hand, she stood up while stooping, and felt her way along the rafters until she bumped into the steps with her feet. She was glad she had made it without stepping on anyone. Climbing the narrow steps she headed toward the main deck and the direction of the sound.

Once on the deck she tried to locate the source of the music she heard, and saw that it was coming from a table on the other side of the boat. Captain Drake and several of his sailors sat, singing softly as two of his men played their flutes and one played a tambourine. It was as though the stars were dancing in the moonlight to the rhythm of their tune and it was a heavenly sight to behold.

Anna walked over to where they all sat, her red hair unbound, hanging loosely about her face and flowing down her back to her waist. She still had on the light purple gown with the rounded neckline that she had worn all day, and she carried her blanket in hand.

Captain Drake stood up, dressed in his white shirt and tan breeches, and taking off his black canvas hat he announced, “Why Miss Pemberton, you are captivating vision of loveliness this evening. We were just singing about a beautiful mermaid with long red hair who turns into a woman and then you walk up. If I didn’t know better I’d think we conjured you right up with our song.” He allowed with a slight smile, while pulling out his stool for her to sit on. Finding an old wooden crate he quickly pulled it up beside her and sat down.