Chapter 13 …and away we go

Getting the wagons emptied, turned around and off again took Will and Minnie a couple of hours but the time was well worth it.Barrels of water, two casks of wine and ale, bags of flour, sugar, salt, hardtack and fresh bread, everything to feed the hard working crew. The drivers, Minnie and Will had lifted, carried and craned until every box and bag, every crate and barrel was aboard and in its place. The galley, instead of dusty and empty was now crammed with enough foodstuffs for weeks.

The smell of fresh coffee was redolent through the boat as Will had shown Minnie how to use a percolator.The first three pots were either too weak or spoon melting strong, but now she seemed to have things worked out. Will was looking forward to another cup and stood to get it but Minnie ran to the pot to pour another. “Careful”,he said. Minnie growled, “I know I know, don’t wanna get burned, gotta be careful. Cream and sugar for dad, yum yum.”. She carefully carried over the pot and poured slowly, mumbling under her breath. Will took a sip, ahh there we go. Thank the powers there’s coffee here, tea too. Without that, well life would been a little drearier. After a quick meal of bread and cheese Will said..

“Min, after this I am going to hit the hay.”, Will said.“I wanted to ask you if you want your own room now…or still with me?”.Minnie came over and sat beside him, leaned on him for a snuggle.“I’m gonna stay with you, I can’t sleep without your breathing.That’s my place, okay?”, she said.Will gave her a hug,“Of course” he replied “I probably couldn’t sleep without you too.”. They cleaned up the galley, checked the boat for the night.Testing the lines were tight and fenders in place, lights shut off but one marker. Boiler damped down for the night.The main cabin was a bit chilly but that’s what blankets are for.

The sun was barely over the horizon when Will woke. The smell of coffee again was strong so he knew Minnie was up before him. Dressing and then heading out to the mess he called out “Ahoy matey”. From the galley he received a squeaky “Ahoy?” back at him? “It means hello or hi there”. he said as he walked in to find Minnie sitting at a table with an empty mug in front of her.There was a pot of coffee waiting for him so he poured a mug, fixed it the way he wanted and too a sip, that hit the spot.“None for you still Min” he asked.“Yuck” was the answer “Yucky brown yuck.I like milk, we have lotses now. I had some yummy milk.”.

Her ears pricked up..”Lots of people’s near, coming here?”.Will nodded, “Yup, time to get to work.”.A quick cleanup and they were climbing to the main deck, Minnie galloping off in front. Heading to the rail they could about 12 people standing on the shore, just off the end of the quay. Stephen was standing by the group and waved as he saw Will and Minnie.Flipping the stairs down, dropping to the dock, Will checked that the lines were still snug. Minnie had already scampered down to meet the group with barks and hi pitched Hey there’s.

The younger of the group laughed to see this little person galloping toward them and as she reached them, chattering a mile a minute, shaking hands and hugging them all.Will was making his way slower toward the shore but still with more energy than he had felt in years. Hmm he thought…I gotta remember to do this more often.

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William Harris

Age 58

Intelligence 15/50

Strength 15/50

Vitality 15/50

Stamina 15/50

Affinities for gardening, cultivating, fishing, knitting, swimming, mariner ,

Captain of the heartboat Rose, navigation

Mechanic 1

“Wow” he thought “under 60 again…that’s pretty nice.But no menu for Minnie this time.I guess she has to be with me.Wonder why I am not getting more intelligent though.Laughing to himself he could just hear his wife’s voice, ”You silly old fool, I can do the thinking for both of us”.

Reaching the end of the quay he found Minnie surrounded by a group of young people, all chattering away like they do. “Welcome all”, said Will. “ We have lots to do and time’s a wasting “. Gesturing to Min..”half of you go with Minnie and the others with me. Let’s board.”.

Grabbing their various packs and bags the teens grouped up.Minnie led her group and Will at the head of his.“Will we be okay, will the lake get us?”, asked one young girl.Stephen replied “It’s ok to be cautious around the lake, but not when your with the captain, and his first mate.You are as safe with them as you are in your own beds”. “Except for the yucky fishies” said Minnie…”and that birdie that tries to take my hat.” Will nodded, “except that for sure.”. “and that yucky brown stuff dad drinks, yuck”. she added from where she was leading her group. Will and Stephen laughed.

As they reached the boat Will could see how nervous everyone was.The water seemed peaceful to him, gently rocking the boat as she bumped against the quay.“I think introductions can wait til we board, so Minnie go ahead and then all of you follow.”, gesturing to the group.

Min hopped up the stairs and the teens followed.Will brought his small group aboard…”Welcome aboard the Rose everyone, has anyone been here before…with Magnus?”.One older girl raised her hand as did an older boy.The girl spoke up “ I did, a couple of years ago”, “Me too” said the boy.“Good deal” replied Will, “You too can lead the rest below decks and get them settled into cabins”.

As the teens started to go belowdecks Will raised his voice “ Remember this please.I am captain of this boat and absolute boss.Minnie is first mate and speaks in my name and with my authority.We are going to have hard work ahead of us but there will be adventure and fun too.Off you go then.”.

Minnie saluted and led the still nervous children belowdecks.Stephen looked at Will, “that went well.” he said.“You can depend on Naomi and Chuck, good kids all and hard workers…we all are so proud of them.”.“Well Minnie and I will do our best to keep all of them safe and have a productive trip.” said Will.“ I know you will Will.” he laughed.

“That’s pretty funny dad, Will will” said Minnie as she appeared up the ladder from the cabins.“That’s captain dad to you first mate…and don’t you forget it.”.Will patted her small shoulder.“Stephen, Minnie will take you to shore, it’s time to get steaming.”.They shook hands and Stephen a shouted out his good byes to the kids below, and swerved by a chorus of byes, see you sooner and goodbyes.

As Minnie escorted Stephen to the safety of the land, Will climbed down to the engine room. He lit the boiler with a tapir and shovelled coal into the furnace. Making sure the auto feed hoppers were full, he checked the boilers water supply and opened the valves to the engine.

Passing through the boat on his way to the wheelhouse he knocked on the cabin doors to let everyone know they would be making way as soon as they could.A scampering of feet above his head let him know Minnie was back aboard.Gaining the main deck he could see the smoke starting from the stack as the boiler heated quickly.

Waving to Min he stepped to the quay and slipped the lines from the pilings and tossed them to her. Climbed aboard and pulled the stairs upside locked them in. Pulling the fenders up snd roping them down took a few more minutes and by then the stacks smoke was thick and dark. Will headed to the wheelhouse and Minnie called down for the kids to come up to deck, they quickly ran up and lined up along the railing.

Taking his place at the wheel Will told Minnie “quarter speed ahead”, he could feel the deep “thruuummmm” of the engine as the speed increased and the propeller bit in and sent the Rose away from the quay.He pulled on the steam whistle line and heard the shrill toot from above their heads.

It had taken some time but now their first voyage had begun.