Chapter 12 Preparing
As Will and Minnie passed through the village they were greeted many times. People were happy to see him and when they saw how Minnie had changed, well that was best. No negativity, no distaste, just happiness for both her and Will. A few older children were accompanying them as they walked around and Minnie enchanted them. Showing off her hands and her feet, of course pulling off her boots to do so. Scampering around on all four feet still but seeming more comfortable standing straight on two.
The only part of the village that Will had visited was the tavern, and the Main Street of course .But only as he had first arrived here. Will looked into the shops as they passed and could see that they definitely needed replenishment soon. Trade was very important and you could tell the death of the previous captain had hit this village hard. Wagons passed them laden with sacks of flour, vegetables, bales of wool, stacks of tanned hide and raw cotton. All heading for storehouses by the side of the lake. He decided to follow along and see if Stephen was around there. Stephen was indeed at the storehouses and greeted Will and Minnie happily. He did a double take at Minnie, asking Will when this had happened. Will explained about the changes last night and how the storm had affected them
Then he asked “ What is the most needed right now?I was thinking of voyaging tomorrow, picking up a load of ore at the shoals, fishing on the way back.”. Stephen nodded and said “How about doing an ore and fish run first; then doing a trade run?”. Gesturing at the wagons rumbling along behind them, “Still bringing in early harvest and flour stock from the winter, we have stored wool and hides but weighing and tallying will take time.”.
“Ah I see”. replied Will, “Trade runs can be long and I see the village needs things now.I can do an ore and fish run in a couple of days..”.Calling Minnie back from where she was investigating bales of wool, Will asked Stephen to arrange the work crew for the next two days.
“I will stop over at the school today…tomorrow at the latest and arrange for the older children to go.” Stephen said.“Not too many over 18 though, it seems the older they are the more affected they are.”. “Supplies for the trip?” asked Will, “Fresh water casks, food for ..how many again?”. “Let’s plan on 10 extras total besides you and your first mate there…”. Stephen gave Minnie a salute which she returned with a bark. Will laughed “All right, I will head to the Rose and prepare for the next few days.If everything goes well we will leave just after first light tomorrow.”.“I can leave the load out up to you as well?”.“Yes..I have got things in hand”. Stephen said, “supplies will show up later today.”.and turned back to the incoming wagons.
Calling to Minnie, Will set back to the Rose to prepare for tomorrow.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
When they reached the boat Will and Min went down in the galley and were cleaning out the cupboards to prepare for the supplies that were hopefully on the way. “Minnie?” he said “Are you okay with these changes, I mean you weren’t really aware before. You’re a person now.”. “What was I before dad?” Minnie asked “Not a person, I know things from before, I knew I was Minnie but different”.She too off her hat and was turning it and turning it in her little hands.“I was me but not the me I am now, here with you.I remember mom, then she was gone”. She looked at Will, ears dropping, so sad, “I miss mom, is she here too, like we are now?”. Will answered “I don’t think so Min, I wish she was but I am sure it’s just you and me.”. Will knelt down by Minnie and hugged her…”Is this enough for you or do you want to try to go back, back to where we came from?”. Stroking the soft fur on her little head he said “I will go back with you, we’ll try to go back to our old lives. What we were before”.
Minnie shook her head, “Nuh uh.I like it here, with you, always with you. This is my home, our home. Even with the stinky fish, I love my hat, I love our boaty boat, I love our soft bed, I love you dad.”. “Aww Min, you’ll always be my little girl, I’m so glad you’re here with me.”. Standing up from the floor Will stretched, reached down and helped Minnie to her feet. There was lots to do still but he was glad to have talked about this.
Getting back to work they soon had the galley ready for supplies.The mess was ready for the temporary crew boarding soon.The two other larger bedrooms had been cleaned and freshened up, portholes opened so the sweet salt air could come in. One room for boys and one for girls, Will hoped they would behave.
The store rooms were ready as they ever would be, the ore barrels ready to load and the same with the fish tubs and barrels. Coal bunkers were full, the boiler had a good supply of water, lots of oil for lanterns, kindling and wood for the galley stove. Everything was ready. Heading on deck, they checked that the wheelhouse was tidy, all maps in the right place, wheel was tight and polished. Foul weather gear stored nearby in case of more storms. The cranes inspected and greased, just in time too.
At the end of the quay Will could see two wagons approaching, horses hauling heavy loads. “First mate Minnie, run down there and accompany them first one here will you?”. Minnie saluted “Aye aye captain”. She jumped down to the quay not bothering with the steps and galloped off down to meet their supplies.
Will sure hoped that Minnie would have the same ability that he apparently had, to safely sail the endless lake.The teamster was thinking the same thing as he could see the large driver arguing with Minnie.However she seemed to either convince him as he climbed off his wagon and started walking down the quay with Min. Success! He made it halfway down the quay, patted Min on her shoulder and pointed back to his wagon. They walked back, climbed on and the wagon started trundling down the wide quay to where the Rose waited for her supplies.
Hmm Will thought…I wonder if Stephen thought to add coffee..or beer to our load? Here’s hoping.
Menu
William Harris
Age 60
Intelligence 15/50
Strength 14/50
Vitality 14/50
Stamina 14/50
Affinities for gardening, cultivating, fishing, knitting, swimming, mariner ,
Captain of the heartboat Rose, navigation
Mechanic 1
Minnie
Best dog of all
Age 5
Intelligence 2/25
Strength 4/25
Vitality 10/25
Stamina 10/25
First Mate of the heartboat Rose
No skills yet