Pieces of Jade (Pirates of Orea) by Lani Woodland, Melonie Piper Page B

it.”
    “Well, now you have time to think it through. What was his motivation? Did he steal anything, except your medallion?”
    “No. And as soon as it fell from my neck, he released us.”
    “Did he take anyone else’s medallion?”
    I rubbed my forehead. “No, only mine.”
    “Why do you think that is?”
    “I don’t know. It’s old. Every Emmía since Princess Dawn has worn it, but it’s still only a medallion.” Why had the captain wanted mine specifically? I sank into the chair again. Everything about the encounter with the pirate suddenly seemed turned upside down, like pieces of a puzzle that no longer fit. The entire battle had been fought to get my medallion. But why?
    Aleah leaned forward, her voice gentle. “I think it’s time you tell me everything.”
    When I was finished, Aleah placed a gentle hand over mine. “You poor child. How horrible it must have been to go through that, then to have James abandon you.” Her fingers tightened over mine. “I’ll see what I can do about your sister. As for the Hound, I would never trust one. They’re taken as children and raised to be a selfish, unsavory lot who are only concerned with catching their bounty. They’ll do anything to accomplish it.”
    “I know, but I don't have a choice. I swore a blood oath on the matter. I’m going to the ship to retrieve my medallion so I can save Pearl.”
    Aleah gave me a knowing look. “Women, especially unmarried women, aren't normally allowed on such a ship,” she said calmly. “It's bad luck. You would need a disguise—you more than any other woman.”
    “My eyes,” I replied, my hand absently going up towards them and brushing my still wet lashes.
    “I can help you with that,” Aleah said. “I can give you some herbs to take with you.”
    She headed towards a cupboard and opened it, revealing two rows of jars, each neatly labeled. She removed one that containing yellow yarrow root, and dumped it into a bowl, then began mixing in other herbs so quickly I couldn't see what they were. She poured the contents into a leather pouch and handed it to me.
    “You must drink this twice a week.” She gestured to the pouch that lay before me. “It will turn your eyes to green. That’s enough for three months, though you'll still need something more to get on the ship. Sneaking on board a ship dressed as a boy is an old trick. We’ll have to find you a better disguise.”
    I couldn't help but stare at her in wonder. “Thank you for helping me,” I whispered. It wasn't adequate to express my gratitude, but it was the best I could manage at the moment.
    “You can thank my sister. She's the one who sent you to me.”
    “Is that the only reason you’re helping me?”
    “My reasons are my own.” Aleah grinned as she set a pot of water on the stove to make more tea, her eyes twinkling mischievously as she turned towards the cupboard. “One more thing, Jade. Does your family have a history of rheumatism?”

     
     
     
     
    Chapter 11
    I sniffed at the tea suspiciously. “Will it be permanent?”
    The right corner of Aleah’s mouth curled up. “No. Don’t forget; you need to take it regularly.”
    “Even if I will only be on the ship for a few moments?”
    She gave me an odd smile. “It’s a good idea to be prepared for anything, especially with your sister’s life in the balance.”
    I didn’t need any more motivation than that. I swallowed the whole cup of the minty concoction in one gulp. My hand shook as I set the saucer on the table, and it was all I could do to turn towards the large oval mirror and force myself to watch. I saw nothing at first, but then, it was as if all the color in my body began to fade. My hair lightened to gray. My skin became duller, thinner, more transparent and looser on my body. It was something out of a child’s bedtime story as wrinkles appeared around my eyes and age spots bloomed on my hands. My aged fingers went to my face, tracing the withered lines of my