Chapter 14 Travelling Man

The bow of the Rose ploughed through the waves, white water foaming around the hull.They were making good speed steaming along to the ore shoals, mind you the boat was empty..the return trip would be a different story, fully laden. Their destination was easily a full day away.Rocky coasts to the west were rich with both ore of different types and coal. Some twist of geological activity a millennia ago had exposed veins to the surface where it was easily mined. It was going to takehard work to fill their holds but it was well worth it.The village needed iron, copper and tin badly.For their own use and for trading.And of course the Rose used coal as did the blacksmiths and for heating in the cold winters.

The children had set up in their designated cabins with very little fuss. A hearty breakfast was being prepared by Naomi and two other volunteers. Bacon, eggs, toasted bread and porridge was on the menu, of course the coffee pot was going as was a massive tea pot and jugs of milk for the younger people.

“Ding dong, ding dong”, the massive bell mounted at the stern was being rung by an enthusiastic Minnie, hammering away, she was announcing breakfast for all. Will stepped out of the wheelhouse and waved to her, Minnie waved back, ”can you get someone to bring me a plate please”. he yelled. She saluted, gave the bell one more swing and dashed below. “I hope she got the message”. Will muttered.

The boat was holding course and speed well. The weather was fair and the only wind was from the east, warm and smelling of hay and salt. He was pondering their course, bent over the map table when there was a knock on the door. Looking up he saw Chuck with a tray. Gesturing for him to come in Will cleared a spot on the map table. “Here you go Captain, Minnie said you were very hungry”, Chuck said, placing the tray down.“she said you didn’t like bacon though, so it’s porridge and toast.” he continued, “who doesn’t like bacon?”.Will sighed “My little friend thinks she’s funny, I love bacon”.Lifting the cover off the tray dishes there was indeed a bowl of porridge and a plate of toast, and of course coffee.Laughing Will dug in, good thing he liked porridge…washing it down with the coffee.

Securing the wheel with a line he left the wheelhouse to return his tray and catch up with his first mate.Going below and nearing the mess he could hear laughter and singing.Opening the door everyone stopped what they were doing at the sight of him. Looking around he spied a little yellow hat moving slowly towards the galley. “Aha” he bellowed and ran after her. Catching up with Minnie just as she reached the galley door, grabbed her and spun her around. “Eeek, your not mad are you dad?” squeaked Minnie, “Nah” Will said picking her up and hugging her, “that was a good one.”. The watching children laughed and relaxed, they thought Minnie was in for it for sure.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Heading back to the wheelhouse Will and Min noticed some heavy clouds had begun to come down from the north, wind had picked up and the temperature had dropped a few degrees.Checking the large barometer and saw the pressure was falling fairly fast.“Oh oh, storms coming Min.”said Will “ Head below and start them battening things down”.“Ok dad”, Minnie rushed off.“Hey Min” called Will.“Yeah dad” Minnie stuck her head back in.“Make sure the galley stove is out and douse those lamps.”.“Ok dad”, Minnie ran out again.“Hey Min”, Will called.Again Min returned…”What dad?” she growled.“Be safe down there, make sure they all wear life belts and you too.” Will replied.

This time Minnie ran out before she could be called back yet again, but she stuck her head back “You too.”Turning his attention back to the oncoming storm Will decided to see if there were any coves or any safe harbour near enough. Being on the lake with 20 nervous teens was stressful enough, now add a bad storm and the situation was only going to get worse, it being his first trip, it could be bad. Checking the map still spread out he scrutinized the area around the model of the Rose he used to show their position.North was out of the question as the storm came from that direction.East was returning to dock, a waste of time and resources.They were still steaming nearly due west and were easily a day and half from their destination.To the south….the coast was within two hours if they changed course now.But no point if they were just going to be dashed on the rocky coast.They would have to put stern to storm if they were going to run, and putting out a storm anchor was fairly risky.

Ah but what was this? As Will checked the maps he came across a small island very close to their supposed location, and with the note of safe harbour written beside the islands name….Dobbys Home. That name…his eyes teared up. Dobby. His little friend before Minnie came into his life. His little doggo who, when she passed, made his heart feel like it was torn in two. “Can’t be a coincidence” he muttered, “thanks sweety, thanks for helping us out”. Wiping his eyes and taking a sip of his long cold coffee. Only a slight course correction was needed but that was the problem, it was to the NW. .Skimming along the edge of the storm and hope they made it.

Will blew into the voice pipe leading to the mess, got no answer so he tried the one to the galley.A young voice answered “Naomi here”.“Skipper here”. replied Will “ please ask the first mate to bring you and Chuck up here please.”.Receiving a happy aye aye captain, Will replaced the pipe.

The wind continued to mount and the barometer was falling even faster.The waves were intensifying and the boat was rocking her way along.Minutes later a yellow raincoated Minnie led Naomi and Chuck into the wheelhouse.Will was happy to see all three were wearing a life belt.“What going on dad?” asked Minnie.“Yes captain, this storm looks like it could get bad for us” said Naomi.

“It could get very bad”…Will indicated the barometer, “ This tells me it is coming fast.”.“You have everything ready below Min?.he asked.“Yup yup, all closed off, lots of buckets ready too, cause of pukeys.”, she nodded. Naomi laughed, “yes, no one is really used to the boat like this”. “ I think I have found us a safe place to anchor but it will take us closer to the storms edge” said Will.Pointing to the spot on the map.”, here, but it’s going to be full speed ahead and a bumpy ride for a couple of hours.”.

Jumping on the captains chair, Minnie reached up and pulled on the steam whistle cord, the Rose let out a shrill scream..”Let’s get to it dad” Minnie yelled.