Dwellers of the New World Chapter Twelve ( Pt 3 ) Stowaway On Board The Flying Fish

Bracus was short-tempered at the best of times, but now he just wanted to be away, he'd had enough of dry land. The bracing Ocean beckoned him, he found himself shouting orders, more irritably than normal and getting impatient with not only his men, but also the people of the bay who were trying to help.

He watched as the crane was wheeled off the platform, ropes which were hitched to the framework were lowered, then attached to the underside of the platform. People gazed as the platform was lifted one end and wheeled down into the Ocean, then put in place on the deck of the ship.

Finally the children were led one by one on board and sent below. Bracus made sure they had some bread wrapped in sacking in case they got hungry before they were fed. Peco the cook came aboard behind the children, making sure none tried to escape, he was a tall man, heavily built and had put together a good hearty stew for all the crew and children, so no one would go hungry on the journey.

More barrels and sacks of what they would need on the island were carried on board, plus more timber to build with. With all the coming and going, the morning went fast and soon the ship was loaded up and waiting to set sail.

Ben and Jay were alone at the rear end of the ship, watching the people on the beach and the Snags that were patiently waiting for their next orders. The two men both wondered what this trip would have in store for them, neither spoke they just stood with their own thoughts.

Suddenly they were startled at the same time, for out of nowhere there came a whisper. “Hey...you two...over here.”

They looked around but saw nothing. “Psst! I'm over here between the sacks.”

Ben turned to face in the direction the sound was coming from, when all of a sudden a head popped up. The figure called out to them.

“Don't let anyone see you talking to me, I'm a stowaway.” The girl was yet again in perpetual fear.

Both Ben and Jay made their way over and sat down on some barrels. “What are you doing stowing away? Bracus will have you thrown off the ship and into the sea if he catches you.”

Cinnamon's heart was racing, she'd not had much sleep and realised how lucky she'd been so far, being afraid and having some doubts, left her unsure of whether she'd done the right thing coming on board and trusting these two stranger's. “I'm not going to get caught...unless you plan on handing me over to the big man,” she said with an uncertain edge to her tone.

“So why are you hiding?" Jay enquired, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

“I'm here to help a friend. There's a man on the Island we're travelling to, his name is Dawson and he's been taken prisoner. My friend Varden plans on freeing him and...”

Ben interrupted the girl. “You mean you know Varden?”

“Yes!” replied the girl...”do you know him too?”

Ben looked at Jay. “We certainly do know Varden, Bracus has kidnapped the boy and keeps him by his side at all times.”

The girl paused, then spoke. “My name's Cinnamon, we have to

bring Dawson back to the mainland, he's in great danger and his life depends on us saving him. We're led to believe that he is our saviour, who comes from another world.”

Cinnamon noticed the look on their faces. “I know it all sounds strange, but he will die if he doesn't get home to his planet Obsidian, have you heard of it?”

Ben and Jay both looked at one another and smiled. “Yes...we certainly have heard of Obsidian,” said Jay. “Looks like all those memories of ten years ago are back again. I wonder how this man Dawson intends on getting home?”

Cinnamon remembered what Varden had told her. “There are chambers on the moors, the master Gregor holds a crystal in one of them, which is Dawson's only way of getting back to his people. Varden escaped from the chamber where he was a prisoner, but his friends are still down there. With enough help we can rescue them and save all the children.”

This was a lot to take in for the two men. They knew about Varden's trip to save this man Dawson, but they didn't know they would be privy to a stowaway. “You surely can't stay here Cinnamon,” stated Ben. “You're bound to be seen eventually.”

“I know!” she announced fidgeting in her confined space. “I need you to get me down below with the other children...can you do that?”

Jay looked at Ben, announcing that he had an idea. He turned to see Bracus and his crew were getting ready to board the ship. Grabbing Ben's arm, he made to move away from the girl. “Quick you need to come out of hiding Cinnamon. We'll pretend you've escaped and say we're taking you down below.”

Ben paused, turning back to the girl. ”Bracus doesn't know you does he?”

Cinnamon didn't answer, 'it was now or never,' she thought! Without even thinking, she came out of hiding and quick as a flash started to run across the deck, leaving Ben and Jay stunned. Within seconds they were in pursuit of her.

Some of the crew watched as Ben managed to catch the girl and pick her up by the waist. Cinnamon pretended to kick and struggle as if trying to escape. As she strived to break free, she noticed Varden standing with Bracus, his hand on the boy's shoulder.

Varden never flinched, but gazed down not daring to look Cinnamon in the face.

Bracus was soon on the scene eager to know what was going on, leading the boy on deck.

“Caught this child running away,” declared Ben. “I was just about to take her below.”

Bracus had a steady gaze as he looked the girl up and down. Ben worried that he knew her and held his breath. The leader had a glint in his eye, almost as if he recognised the girl, but for what she was wearing. Deciding that the two men had done a good job in capturing the girl, he told them to take her below.

Both Ben and Jay breathed a sigh of relief, as they made their way down some wooden stairs following the sound of children below. It was dark and dingy but dry, the only light came from the entrance they had just come from. They inhaled the smell of wood, the odour strong as the ship was so new.

As their eyes became accustomed to the dark, Cinnamon whispered in Ben's ear. “Thank you for helping me and not giving me away.”

“You realise we can't have any more to do with you on this journey, otherwise Bracus will become suspicious?” Ben uttered softly.

“That's okay,” replied Cinnamon. “You've done your bit and at least I can mingle with the other children now. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine.”

Bracus on the other hand was wary of the girl, he felt he'd seen her somewhere before, but couldn't work out where. Turning to Jason and Varg, he ordered them to keep an eye on her. “Make sure that girl is watched...there's something about her I'm not sure of.”

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Twelve ( Pt 4 ) The Voyage Begins | ABCtales