Dwellers of the New World Chapter Twelve ( Pt 10 ) Sad Losses

Jason noticed the huge mass of black clouds heading their way, feelings of desperation went through his mind, remembering storms from the past. Shakily he began to climb down the rigging, desperate to let Bracus know. Each step he took left him feeling drained. 'I'm getting too old for this job!' he thought to himself.

He loved his time at sea and had always enjoyed climbing the rigging, but just lately he'd been unsure of his confidence and was in two minds as to whether his skills were still unrivalled. 'Perhaps this will be my last voyage!' he thought as he made his descent. 'I need to make way for someone younger and fitter.' The notion of his doubts played continuously over and over.

Finally at the bottom, he looked out across the vast ocean, then as he made his way across the deck to where Bracus was in his quarters eating, he thought about mentioning to the leader, that this could be his last voyage and that he had ideas to put down roots on the Island when they arrived. But as he knocked and entered, all he could think about was letting Bracus know of the storm.

“Yes...what is it?” Bracus was sat at his table, having just finished eating.

“Sir...there's a really bad storm heading our way, it could take us off course...what do you suggest?”

Immediately Bracus jumped up. “Tell all crew members I need them up on deck...we need to secure the cargo, make sure that everything is strapped and tethered.”

“Right away Sir!” Jason felt his heart racing as he made his way across the deck to the entrance of the hull. 'What's wrong with me? I must snap out of these feelings!' He thought to himself.

Once below deck, Jason informed the men of Bracus's orders. Each man including Jay and Ben, made their way up top, as the wind started to pick up. All the barrels and wood were secured, Jason knew the masts and rigging would take a battering, but at this point all they could do was wait. finally the job was done.

As the storm got closer, torrential rain began to fall and within no time the storm was upon them. The strength of the waves began to lift the ship as wave upon wave tossed the vessel around. Jason felt his body shifting with the ebb and flow of the tide. At one point he lost his balance, but there was nothing to hold on to, he fell as a huge wave enveloped the ship, sending the man flying across the deck.

Looking up, he could just make out his brother fighting to get below with the other men. Jason tried to grab at anything, but now the floor below him was wet and slippery. With nothing to grab hold of, Jason felt himself being pulled towards the edge of the ship. 'I need to get to my feet!' he thought to himself.

His only chance was the hand rail, but as another wave engulfed the deck, Jason was swept into the vast ocean. Suddenly as each wave took hold of him, he swallowed the salty water, his lungs filling up. He panicked as he was thrown against the hull of the ship his head smashing into the bottom of the ship, then there was just darkness as he blacked out, finally the ocean taking his life.

Down in the hull Bracus was unaware of the tragedy that had befallen Jason, until he came to round up his crew. Normally Varg would be at his brother Jason's side, but as Varg looked around the hull, his brother was nowhere to be seen. Calling out Varg raised his voice. “Where's my brother...where's Jason?”

Each man suddenly was aware that Jason wasn't in the hull. Immediately Varg ran to the door of the hull in a panic, clambering up the stairs.

“No! Varg,” shouted Bracus. “Don't open the door.”

But It was too late, Varg had already unfastened the latch. As the door was lifted, a sudden gush of water ran down below.

“You fool...shut the door...now!” Bracus rushed at Varg as he quickly latched the door. Grabbing his legs and pulling the man down the stairs, Bracus was angry and in no mood for foolishness.

“But my brother's still up there,” Varg yelled. You can't leave him up there...he'll die.”

Bracus pulled the man to one side, grabbing him by the collar. “Are you trying to get us all killed, is that your priority?”

“No...no sir, its just that...”

Before Varg could say any more, Bracus slapped him across the face and told him to pull himself together. Poor Varg stood stunned unable to understand what was happening.

Turning around, Bracus requested that Jay should take Varg to one side, now that he was the healer on board the ship and talk to him.

“Varg...Jason knew that being at sea had its risks.”

Varg dropped his head, then went to plead one more time with the Bracus. “But he might still be alive up there.”

“No boy...we ain't about to risk everyone's life for one man. Now go with Jay, he'll give you something for the shock.”

Looking over, the children cowered in their cramped confines not sure of their safety, listening to the creaking of the ship as an eerie din reverberated.

Bracus could see their fearful expressions. “You'll all be pleased to know, that's the sound that tells us we're near our destination. We'll be arriving at Wild Whistling Isle very soon.”

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Twelve ( Pt 11 ) On the Horizon | ABCtales