Dwellers of the New World Chapter Thirteen ( Pt 3 ) Disembarking

The children of the Flying Fish shivered up on deck as they stood in line, each one had accepted their fate, there wasn't a tear in their eyes having become accustomed to their new way of life. Cinnamon held Will's hand and squeezed it tight; bending down to whisper in the boy's ear, but was quickly reprimanded like a naughty child, by Bracus. “There'll be no talking or whispering so cut it out now...do you hear?” He was not in a good mood because of his bad leg which was playing up, and had no time for disobedience.

Poor Cinnamon felt embarrassed and frowned at Bracus, her face flushing as the other children stared at her in silence.

“You needn't look at me like that girl...it won't do you any good,” remarked the leader smugly, loving the fact that so many were afraid of him.

As Bracus turned to order his men to lead the children off the ship, Cinnamon quickly took the opportunity to whisper, “don't forget to run when I say.” She looked around to see if anyone had been listening, but there was too much commotion going on for anyone to be bothered.

Will nodded his head with a smile, to say he understood and continued to clutch the girls hand tight, trusting in her completely. Meanwhile Cinnamon looked around for Varden, but couldn't see him anywhere, she started to worry biting her lip and wondered if running away would go as planned.

The crew had been ordered to tie rope around the children's waists in order to keep them together and stop them escaping, which was something Cinnamon hadn't anticipated. There were crew members everywhere watching; the girl wondered how on earth they would be able to get away, what with the rope and so many eyes on them.

Brigs and Varg were already unloading some of the cargo, and were wondering how long it would take to get all the goods off the ship. Turning to face his leader, Brigs shouted out to Bracus. “We need extra help with all these barrels and wood Sir.” But by the look on the big man's face, Brigs regretted opening his mouth.

Bracus immediately flew at him. “Don't you think I don't know that you idiot...there's no one round ...is there you fool? Now just do the job and stop yer yapping.”

Brigs wondered how long it would be before he'd loose his cool with the leader, but for now he'd bide his time. Having been to the Island many times he was aware that the weather could change quickly. The wind still whistled down the river and the sky was turning a nasty grey, this was no time for hanging around, they needed to unload everything as soon as possible. Brigs also felt sorry for the young children, their little faces looking so forlorn as they shivered in the elements, but he also knew this was Bracus's ship and that their leader didn't want the children escaping, it was no use arguing with the man.

Brigs picked up one of the lighter barrels and flung it over on to his back, finding it easier to carry that way. Varg and six of the other crew followed with their loads. It would take at least two men to carry the wood for the timber homes that Bracus had planned. The leader watched on anticipating his plans. There were no horses on the Island, so everything would have to be carried by hand, and the strength of each crew member would be challenged to their limits.

As the children were disembarking, Varden appeared up on deck; he'd got a piece of flint which he'd hid in the pocket of his trousers. He watched as Cinnamon stepped off the ship with Will, and thought to himself, 'It's now or never!' Bracus was stood to one side of the children making sure they walked in a line as they stepped off, there wasn't any other way to disembark, so the boy picked up some sacks as if to make himself useful and went to wander over to stand behind the other boys.

“Hold it right there!” Declared Bracus. “Where do you think you're going boy?”

Varden stopped in his tracks and wondered what Bracus meant. “I'm just helping out with the cargo.” He bit his lip worried at what was coming next.

“Oh no you don't! You stay with me and put those sacks down, there's plenty for you to do once we get all this cargo to its destination.” He grabbed the boy by the scruff of his neck and pulled him to one side. The boy dropped the sacks and squinted, protesting at the big man's grip on him.

“Right! You can stop your whining ...you're staying with me and don't go wandering off again, do you hear?” Bracus shook the boy to make sure he understood.

Poor Varden nodded and could see his plans disappearing like leaves that scatter in the wind, as each child left the ship he became anxious, this wasn't something he'd anticipated.

A chill ran through Cinnamon at the realisation of hopelessness of their escape. She raised her head up and gazed towards Varden, who stared back at her, a melancholy expression on his face.

Varden's frustration built, as Bracus took hold of his hand and dragged him off the ship and down the path towards one of the rock entrances. This wasn't the way Varden wanted to come. There were many entrances and many valleys on the Island, Bracus was going right when Varden needed to go left, it was inevitable that he would have to go along with Bracus and his escape would have to wait, but what worried Varden was how to let Cinnamon know what was going on.

Varden's train of thought was distracted when Bracus spoke. “Come on boy...don't dither, we're gonna find us a spot to build in Stag Beetle Valley.” This was one of the many names given to each valley, that were named after animals – birds – insects – wild flowers – stones – rocks and minerals.

The boy clenched his fists, grinding his teeth in utter irritation. Bracus held him again by the scruff of the neck, pushing him onwards. The boy knew if he tried to run, Bracus would tie him up and then all hope of escaping would be gone, but he also knew the man couldn't watch him continuously; so he decided to bide his time.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Thirteen ( Pt 4 ) Family Gathering | ABCtales