Chapter 18 One more to go

Again as they steamed north the weather and the water got much rougher. High waves, strong headwinds, very cold now. The salt spray was freezing on the superstructure of the boat, not much yet but it would grow. “Take us closer in Min, then back on our heading, see if that makes a difference.” Will suggested. “Aye aye.”, was the happy reply and she spun the wheel to get them closer to shore. It wasn’t total darkness yet, but close. It was not safe being close to an unknown shore, but they were still well back from land. And the waves were lessened the closer they came so it was a bit of a tossup.

The crew wasn’t bothered by the high waves, in fact Minnie and Will were quite enjoying the ride. Naomi was up in the wheelhouse too, she was okay with these waves now, didn’t particularly like them though. Seeing the bow nearly submerged then tossing back up in a wild blast of water was still a bit disconcerting, to say the least. The way the deck was designed with a tilt helped run the water right off again, out under the side rails and through the hawsepipers. Will was logging this and as he wrote that Minnie laughed “What the heck is that word, a watchemacallit?”. “That’s the name of the hole the anchor chains run through.” Will said. Why he knew this he had no idea, but odd facts seemed to stick in his brain.

The weather continued to worsen the further north they travelled. As the hours wore on the miles rolled by. Keeping to the course and speed as best they could Will reckoned they had hit the halfway point. “Eight hours at this speed and we will be close guys, anyone want to go get some sleep, now’s the time.”. Neither moved. Naomi looked out and said “I think its a bit risky to go outside, too cold and way too slippery.”. Minnie agreed with her “Why don’t we have more stairs, or maybe a pole like you told us about, that the firemen slide down, we could do that you know.”. Will thought for a moment, “That pole would be right in the middle of our cabin at the bottom, or close to it, no thanks. But I do wish there was another set of stairs to go down.”.

They talked back and forth for a while, about changing the stairs, or maybe there should be a small wood stove in the wheelhouse for cooking, how he knew what a hawsepiper was. But Naomi finally dropped off, tucked comfortably in one of the big captains chairs, then Minnie was snoring gently in the other. Standing behind the polished wooden wheel, Will dimmed the lantern. The red filters had been put in long ago, to give better vision at night, and now it was set very low. There was enough moonlight to see the world outside. Waves still crashing over them, a steady hand on the helm kept her on course though. Hours passed as they pounded along, Will thinking of nothing and everything, checking the bearing. Listening to the wind. Finally as the sun was beginning to rise the waters began to calm as the storm had blown itself out.

Minnie was first to wake, stretching and yawning, “Wow, I slept like a rock, why didn’t you wake me, you could have had a snoozey too.”. Will shook his head, “I’m good Min, just thinking of stuff, writing it all down. You know me.”. Naomi had also woken “Oh we know dad, pen in one hand, tea in the other, steering with your feet.”. He laughed, how well they knew him. “Now that the waters not so rough I’m gonna go down and make a cuppa and a quick bite for us.”, said Naomi, struggling into her cold gear again. She had to push the door a few times, to break off the ice that had formed overnight. The air that rushed in was cold, but very refreshing, crisp and clean and salty and wonderful. Naomi very carefully made her way to the stair shed, hauled that open and was gone below.

Minnie was blowing the steam whistle, to let the villagers know they were close. At least they thought they were close. Will steered them closer to the shore, to see if they could pick up landmarks that might be familiar . So far nothing, but they were still looking. “Maybe we should have put up a signpost, saying ‘This way to the village’, Will suggested. Minnie shrugged “ After these trips we’ll never come back this far north right.”. Oh yeah, he thought, she’s right. “Good point.”. Continuing on both Will and Minnie were scanning for the cairn, hopefully lighted up. Naomi returned, looking very refreshed and, best of all, toting a covered tray. Carefully placing in on the map table the cover came off to reveal breakfast. Fried ham together with potatoes and carrots, cheese toast and tea. “Wow, that looks great, I’m starving.”, Will said, pouring a much needed tea. “Yeah me too, thanks.”, Minnie had helped herself to everything and was snarfing it down like a fiend.

As they enjoyed the much appreciated meal the scanning of the shore continued, until Naomi spotted the lighted cairn. Still some distance ahead but apparently the whistle had been heard. A good sign, Will had been concerned for the remaining villagers. He didn’t know how much food was left, or even how many people remained. This was a touch and go situation. It was full speed ahead for the village.

Another thirty minutes found the Rose dropping anchors. About thirty yards from shore in mostly calm waters. Still windy and cold, no snow falling but it had come down hard. Huge drifts abounded against the blazing cairn and you could see where the snow had been tramped down for a path. They had laid on the whistle to let the villagers know it was time and the crew was prepping for the pick up. Minnie and Will prepped the boats and lowered them to the icy water. Naomi was again staying behind, she wanted to get some baking done in this down time. Already the smell of fresh bread was rising up through the boat. “Nice way to greet the passengers huh dad? I love that, fresh bread, with butter and jam, and cheese.”, Minnie rambled on. “Oh yeah, I love it too, but I miss peanut butter you know.” Will answered. They were losing life belts into the boats, just for safety but if anyone fell into this water, it would be very bad. “What’s peanut butter, we don’t have that do we?”, Minnie asked. He shook his head, “I don’t think peanuts grow here, and you can’t make it out of tree nuts, maybe almonds but I haven’t seen them either.”. Jumping in the boats, they cast off and rowed to shore.

A line of people were trudging through the snowy path toward the shore, all ages. Babes in arms all the way up to some older folks, not many though. There were some young people, teens and up, a mixture of all ages really. Minnie and Will cruised to shore, close to where everyone was gathered and beached the boats. As was her way, Minnie went to visit with babies and little people, Will started people loading. “We’re going to take as many as possible, then load your sleds on deck, there’s a need for them in the new village “, he called. The leader, Arno and family seemed to be in charge this time, sent a few teens to run and get the sleds, “How many captain?”. Will hmmmed, “We can lash at least twenty to the deck.”. Nodding Arno directed more people to fetch them. Minnie was carefully loading young ones into the dory, then the smaller boat. As they floated a bit people were definitely getting agitated, only the crews presence stopped a full blown panic.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Seeing the boats were full, Min and Will gently guided them all the way in, jumping and started rowing. Calling “I’ll be back.”, which always made him laugh, the loaded boats started for the Rose. It was just minutes on the calm water, a view these people had never seen, their land falling away. Naomi was ready on deck and caught the lines, pulled them close and started people climbing on deck. Minnie was going to stay, to help ameliorate the waters effect. Their calming presence was obviously helping as most villagers seemed to be nearly enjoying this experience . But the older one was, the trip was more difficult. Several of the much older people were still shivering and clutching at each other for comfort. Naomi directed these people below, with their families. The warm cosy mess halls and crew cabins would help even more. Good food and tea awaited.

As his boat was empty and Minnie and Naomi had things in hand, Will headed back to shore, for the next. As he left Naomi called, “We can handle about twenty more.”. Give a wave to let her know he heard, Will bent to the oars. It was amazing, he thought, that the weather was holding good for this load. The last few days had been rough, by anyone’s standards. There were more than twenty people waiting, he didn’t know if they were going to be disappointed or relieved that not all could go. Priority would be given to children though. Again he beached the boat, crunching into the ice and snow. Large sleds were waiting as well, all polished wood and bone. Hefting one he found the weight was negligible. “Okay folks, we have room for twenty more, young children and parents please.” he asked.

The people quickly came forward and settled in the boat, Will could see about fifty adults remained, also the Eld, standing near. This trip to the Rose was easy, and Will carefully off loaded his passengers to Minnie and Naomi’s care. Taking Arno and two of his sons with him, they went back to load the sleds. Stacking four aft and four in the front, carefully tied, the slightly top heavy boat again dashed toward the Rose. It was a quick trip. Arno and his boys climbed on deck and lifted the heavy sleds from Will. Then back in for the next load. Another eight were loaded and secured. “We will return in two days at the latest for the last load, make sure you pack everything you want. Listen for the whistle. After you leave there’s no easy way to return.”. With a wave he boarded and headed for the Rose. A beautiful sight. The cold icy air was almost painfully clear and every detail of his floating home shone. Warm lights in the portholes, wood smoke drifting up from the galley chimney, Minnie waving to him as he got closer. She tied the boat off and started catching the sleds as he tossed them up. Arno just shook his head, “Made of iron they are.” he muttered to his sons. The sleds were tied in place securely, Will lifted the anchors and Minnie started the Rose heading back on course to the burrows.

“Heading below for a minute, need anything?”, he asked. “Sandwiches, biscuits, a slice of cake with that yummy vanilla icing, a nice mug of apple juice.”, was Minnie’s answer. “I’ll see if I can do that, might be all eaten already.” Will called back as he left, hearing a gasp of horror behind him. He checked the sleds, but the ropes were holding tight. Hoping the calm weather would stay he went below. Was it ever full down here! Children everywhere, not badly behaved, just acting like kids. Catching sight of him there was a communal shriek and they scattered. Oh right, he thought, still have all my winter gear on. Pulling off his hat, goggles, gloves, boots and coveralls, showing that he was, after all, human. The crew cabins were very crowded as was the mess, definitely a lack of sitting room. Passing through the crowds he headed into the galley. Naomi was quite busy, but she had gotten help from two of the passengers. Two older men who were presently slicing bread, toasting and buttering. “Dad! Hey, I have everything under control. Lars and Yan offered to help and they’re great.” she said when she noticed him lurking. Shaking hands with the two lads, which was not a thing that was done here, but they took to with great enthusiasm.

“You have so much captain, and share with us, it’s wonderful”, said Lars, pulling a tray out and loading it with plates of the toast, slices of cheese and even some smoked sausage. When he carried it in, there rose a cheer, Yan carried a second, equally loaded tray in right after him. Will started putting together something for Minnie, and a bit for himself too. Naomi pulled a half of a cake out of a cupboard, hidden for safety. “I’m sure Minnie would like some.”, she laughed, cutting two large slices. “Oh yeah, apparently she’s dying for some.” he answered, putting sandwiches together, and filling a small bag with biscuits. “This will give her the strength to fight the wolves off.” he laughed.

“We’re off by the way, I hope it’s a better trip this time.”, he called to Naomi. “Less waves anyway.”, she answered.

Tossing his lunch sack over his shoulder Will headed to the engine room. Filling the auto loaders with coal, and when he checked the main bunkers he found they were low. “Gotta get a fill after this trip.” he said aloud. They were okay on fuel, it would last for doing these passenger runs. Then stop at the shoal Naomi had seen and fill. Will just hoped it was good anthracite, they could burn any but that was better. Redressing to face the cold took but a few minutes now and he was ready again. The cool fresh air that met him was refreshing after the crowded decks below. The water was still calm, just the occasional heave, lifting the Rose, almost playfully. Minnie noticed him coming up to the stairs and opened up the door for him.

“Brrr dad, wanna hurry up yeah?”, she said. Spying the lunch bag over his shoulder she cleared the map table and looked at him expectantly. “Yum, I’m starving you know.”, she paused and sniffed, “Smoked sausage and cheese! You had some and now I get the scraps, a crust of bread and a glass of water, oh woe is me!”. She threw herself into her chair and covered her face with her hands, sobbing. Will waited, sighing, he should never have told her those stories. Minnie dropped her hands “Not buying it huh? Oh well, I tried.”. Jumped back up and started examining the lunch bag. Happy exclamations at each find, the cheese, the sausage, fresh buttered toast, warm juice and cake. “Good job dad, all my favourites.”, she told him earnestly. Will laughed “Funny how I knew that huh.”.

The boat was on course, making good time and they expected to make their destination in about eighteen hours. For once the weather was cooperating and Will was glad of this. The villagers sleds were tied on deck, but a few harsh waves might damage or even wash them overboard. Now that would be a catastrophe for everyone. The air was still very cold, the wind had picked up, but no snow and no waves. “Let’s hope the weather holds like this, got a big load this time,” Will said, “But you know what? Full speed ahead, Min, let ‘er rip.”.