Chapter Nine First Voyage

The Rose edged out of the covered dock into the bright spring day, slowly at first barely making headway.But as Will increased throttle power water began to surge around the bow.Pulling on the steam whistle to let everyone know that the boat was back in business, the shrill toot of the horn echoed back from the shore.

People started to stream from the village and lined up on the shore to wave and cheer as the boat passed by.Will was surprised by the number of people, coming to realize just how important this boat was to their community.Seeing two familiar figures he stepped out onto the poop deck and raised a hand.

From this vantage he could start to see more of the surrounding country, and it was as Stephen had said.Cliffs started rising from the shore the further you got from the village and farmlands and the land above the cliffs looked nearly impassable and rough.The only beach area was close to where the village and quay were and he could that see several people had been fishing from shore.

Steaming along in the bright day the boat was rolling with the waves, engine thumping, stack puffing Will felt at peace. Eager to see more of this world and ready to start this new phase of his life he started the boat heading back to port. It was time to get to work.

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William Harris

Age 65

Intelligence 15/50

Strength 11/50

Vitality 11/50

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Stamina 10/50

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

Captain of the heartboat Rose, navigation 1

Mechanic 1

After he checked his status Will realized that he was getting seriously younger, where will that end he wondered. Same with his, hmm what is the term? Points, abilities, skills., maybe just skills from now on. He was gaining more and more every day. Those abilities along with his foreknowledge of the boat made the future look good.

Hours had passed since leaving the dock, steaming along the coast of this monster lake. The water was calm but there was some kind of weather happening further out, so he headed homeward. As he steered the boat back toward the dock he realized that he would soon need an extra hand. Not that he was afraid of hard work but he couldn’t be in two places at once, especially while mooring. He needed to find a helper, deciding to take it up with Stephen as soon as he got the chance. But for now, docking.

Tying the last line on the quay and making sure the fenders were down Will flipped the stairs up after Minnie scampered down.That had been difficult but he had managed with no damage to the dock or boat….his temper not so much.“I need a drink Min, maybe two or five.Let’s go see Regina”.

As theywalked back toward the village several persons greeted him with a cheery “Evening Captain”, “Glad your here”, “Good to see the Rose back on the water “.Nodding and smiling he continued on until he reached Main Street and headed to the tavern.Heading in he was greeted again by a few people inside and by Regina who was busy behind the bar.“Nice spot by the fire Captain, be right there”, Regina waved to him.

Will took a seat and stretched out his feet to the fire. The evenings were still cool and the walk her had cooled him down considerably. Minnie flopped down near the hearth and started to snore, long day for her too. Regina came over after a few minutes and put a glass of beer on the table. “Same as before Will. Are you and Min hungry tonite?”. “Whatever’s handy please ”. he replied. She nodded and returned to the bar and kitchen behind.

Will closed his eyes and enjoyed the fire crackling.After a few minutes Regina returned with a plate of eggs and fry bread and some meats scraps for Minnie.“Enjoy Will.”As she made to leave Will asked her to wait.“Do you know of anyone who would want to help around the Rose with me?”.Regina thought for a minute, “I will ask around but you know what the lake does to , well anyone that’s not you.”.

“ I realize that, I meant to help out when docking here. Helping load and unload, cleaning up. That kind of thing”. said Will. “Oh..and a cat”. “A cat?”asked Regina. Will laughed..”I really don’t like mice, well my wife didn’t like mice and I guess it rubbed off. But yes a cat on board, company for us and to keep mice and rats out.”. “Ah I see” said Regina “I will see what I can do.”.

Finishing up his meal Will decided to head back on board and make an early night of it.