Corin smothered a groan as she stretched out her cramped legs. The easy movement of the Raven through the water soon became the only comfort she found on the third morning in her hiding place.

She raised her arms up touching the bow's hull above her head. Smiling, she let her hand run down the smooth thick wood that held back the ocean's strength. All the diagrams she poured over came into use. Her hiding spot was the only place on the schooner no one would likely come.

Patting it, "You're stronger aren't you Raven?"

She'd started talking affectionately to the ship that first long day. Stowing away isn't how she planned to be on board, but it worked. They would be passing the keys today. Once Captain Max sailed beyond them Corin would make her presence known, he wasn't the type to turn back, no matter how furious he might become. "You, my dear Captain, can get my fare from Mr. Worth and good luck to you."

Though her decision happened instantaneously, she thought it over for the last two days. If the captain did dump her at the first port, she'd either fly on to France or stay a while and work in one of the resorts. Regardless, she was on her way and refused to let the ill beginning dampen her outlook on the adventure ahead, even as her thought went back to that morning. "Male chauvinist, how dare he refuse to take me on as one of his crew!"

Streaks of rose and amber brushed the horizon as Corin pulled her duffle pack from the trunk of the cab. People were already beginning to stir around the docks, but Corin only looked for one ship.

The dark teak of the Raven's hull left a shimmering reflection in the waters slapping at her side. Corin tipped her head back to follow the large mast as it rose up to kiss the pale dawn. Closing her eyes she felt a wave of excitement pass over her. She needed to get a hold of her emotions. She took a deep breath, control once again seeped through her delicate frame.

Corin lifted the bag of her possessions over her shoulder and took the first step up the gang-way to board the Raven. The slick deck felt firm and indestructible beneath her deck shoes. The full ankle pants and long sleeve T-shirt were good choice for the first morning. The air felt chilly, on the open water the wind would demand her jacket.

Corin stood there letting it sink in a moment that she actually stood on the deck, before seeking out the captain.

"Hey you, what are you doing on my ship?"

Corin's smile wouldn't be banished by the man's bark. She held out her hand to the approaching man. "I'm Corin McCloud. You must be Captain Max?"

When he didn't accept her greeting she nervously pulled her hand behind her back, feeling a chill nip at her excitement.

"Yeah, I'm the captain. Who are you?"

She told him her name once again. The man's brute attitude stiffened her back. "Mr. Worth..."

"Stop right there ... McCloud, right?"

Corin gave him a cautious nod.

"Look, I told that bastard it was up to him to take care of the problem."

She felt her stomach rollover in warning. The way his gaze raked over her, she knew he considered her a problem.

"Didn't he get a hold of you?"

"No." Corin hated the admission and the suspicion unraveling between them.

"Well, you go see him."

When he would have reached to take hold of her shoulder and push her back toward the gain-way, she avoided his touch.

"Captain, maybe you should explain, here and now, what's going on?"

"Are you dense?"

The sharp glare she threw him stopped anymore insults. But it didn't prevent his next words.

"There is no cruise. It's been called off. All your money will be refunded. If you've got a problem it's with, Worth. Not me."

She didn't realize her head shook against his words. Finally, she found her voice, "then you not taking the Raven to France?"

"Oh, I'm taking her all right. I finally got my price for this relic, some rich fanatic wants her for his collection. Look, I'm sorry, but Worth knew about this some time ago, you'd best see him."

"No!" She fought back the pain in her chest, Corin realized she needed to be rational. "Listen, I paid my way and signed on as part of the crew."

"Yeah, I remember your name now, but if I'd know you were a woman..."

"I don't think that is relevant. My passage to France is what matters, I see no reason why I can't still go. I intend to work."

"One good reason is that I don't need you. I've got my hands. Sorry, but like I said, it's off."

Before she could stop him he picked up her bag and heaved it onto the dock.

"You're next miss. I've run out of patience."

It only took one step towards her to convince Corin to walk off the schooner under her own two feet. Every cuss word she'd ever said or thought filled her mind and was directed at his retreating back.

All the fight left her, sending her to sink down on top of her bag. Corin dropped her gaze from the Raven. Her dreams and hopes were tied to being on that ship. Even if Worth refunded her money she'd never find another ship, she already knew there weren't any.

Corin pushed the ugly memory away and opened one of her three remaining candy bars that Janice begged her to bring. Corin ate it with guilty relish. Her friend would understand once they met up in France. She settled back into her cubby and fell into more pleasing thoughts about the coming weeks. Anything to keep her mind off the soon to be raging man up on deck, "At least walking the plank is outlawed..." She refused to think any further on how he might react to her presence.

The gentle rocking of the ship soon lulled her to sleep.

The sudden connection of her head against the hull made Corin rise. A second painful hit reminded her of the cramped position she still sat in. Rubbing her sore scalp, the violent downward thrust of the bow sent her hands out, groping for something to hold onto.

Catching her breath Corin realized the Raven must have sailed into the throes of a violent storm. Another rocking sway brought her out the shock.

"He'll need my help." On all fours Corin left the confines of the bow. It took all her strength to make it to the companion way and ladder. After several attempts she finally managed to open the hatch, releasing a wall of frigid water over the top of her. Sucking in her breath she struggled on deck and using all her weight against the wind's force she managed to close the hatch.

Holding on to it, she finally got her bearings and located the captain at the helm. Corin made a lunge for the rope rail, her hands locked on to it just as the Raven took a heart stopping drop. The wall of water sucked and pulled at her. Corin struggled not to be taken over with the receding water. Shaken, but knowing she must help, Corin moved hand over hand to reach the captain. His violent curse cut through the howling wind, telling her he saw her progress.

"Damn fool. Get below and crawl back into whatever hole you came out of!"

Undaunted by his anger she yelled out. "I want to help!"

"Help? Prayers will help, I've already lost two men! Get the picture little lady!" His hands ran frantically over the wheel, turning it to correct the lean that the full sails were causing.

"The main sail is still up!" Corin's voice held the fear she felt.

"The storm came out of nowhere!" The broken fact didn't change the danger.

Before she realized what she was doing she started making her way to the mast where the last crew member frantically worked. Corin shouted across the wind. "What can I do?"

His shock at seeing her vanished over the fear she also witnessed in his eyes. "Take the crank and help me bring her down."

They worked in a silent frenzy to secure the sail. Once down Corin tied down the wild, flapping sail. The wind grew stronger, tearing at Corin as she fought to maintain her hold.

A shattering sound filled the air above the howling gusts. Turning, she saw one of the riggings rip loose, but before she could move, a more frightening force seized her to the spot.

Lightening blue, the unnatural glow swept over the entire ship casting it in an eerie blue light. Corin heard a scream not knowing if it came from her or someone else. Entranced by the shimmering, living light, she never saw the object that hit her head, leaving only a swirling madness in its wake.