by Danni Roan
“What are you going to do?” Xenia said her voice sounded wispy in her ears.
“That depends on you,” The captain said moving toward her. “I need this voyage to go well and you, I can only assume, want to go home.”
Xenia nodded, keeping the heavy tray of cutlery and pewter wear between him and herself.
“I have a proposal for you,” the captain grinned making the hackles rise on Xenia’s neck. “I won’t give away your secret if you won’t try to escape until we reach port. After that you and your companions are free to go.”
Xenia looked at the man suspiciously. He didn’t look like the type of man who normally knocked unsuspecting visitors over the head and dragged them on board.
“How do I know I can trust you?” she asked squinting at him.
“Because, whether you believe it or not, I am an honest man who is in desperate straits. It is not my normal practice to shanghai sailors, but I turned a blind eye to what was happening to get what I needed.”
Xenia shifted the heavy tray in her arms. “How do I know you’ll let us go?”
“Because I give you my word.” The captain’s clear eyes bore into hers and somewhere in their dark depths she saw the truth of his statement.
“What about my family, my friends back home?” she asked.
“It would not be wise to contact them at this point. Some of my crew are of the less than honorable type and might seek retribution if you were to let the constabulary know that they had brought your friend on board without his permission.”
“You think they’d go after my family?”
“It has been known to happen.”
Xenia tried to think. She had no doubt that the captain understood her true identify and that no amount of denial or bluffing would get her out of this predicament.
“The men are fond of you,” the captain continued. “As the ship’s boy you have taken over the duty of cooking and your meals have proven far more palatable than most found upon a sea faring vessel.”
“Barnaby said a man sails for his belly.” Xenia said absently.
“Indeed.”
“If I agree to this, what do I tell my friends? When I go, they go with me.”
“As you wish.”
“And I want a cat or two,” Xenia demanded boldly, struggling to hold her voice steady. “The next time we make landfall I want a cat. I’ll not have rats in my food.”
The captain’s sharp bark of laughter made Xenia jump rattling the dishes on the tray.
“I think we can accommodate that whim,” he chuckled. “Now do we have a deal?” Again his dark eyes pierced her.
“Deal,” Xenia said still not completely comfortable with the situation but not seeing a better option. Adjusting her tray on one hip she offered her hand waiting stubbornly until the man took it.
“Done.” The Captain said walking to the door and opening it for Xenia who walked out with her burden and a worried heart.
Chapter 12
“Where have you been?” Birch hissed as Xenia joined him in the crew quarters.
“I was in the Captain’s quarters,” Xenia said gesturing for him to follow her above deck. A quiet stroll on the bow seemed in order.
Fear, anger and dread pounded in Birch’s ears as Xenia led the way up top. She didn’t seem to be upset or injured in anyway, and he prayed that their secret was still that.
“He knows,” Xenia said softly watching the blood drain from Birch’s face at her words. “It’s all right though,” she hurried on. “He won’t tell.”
Birch looked at her horror struck. What bargain could she have struck to keep a sea dog like the captain quiet?
“Birch, it’s fine,” Xenia said. “He figured it out but won’t tell as long as I don’t cause any trouble for the ship.”
Birch felt the cool salt air fill his lungs once more as relief washed over him. “And you believed him?”
“What choice did I have?” Xenia asked looking up into Birches worried face. “He promised if we do our best to get the cargo to Frisco in good time, he’ll simply walk away. He sounded sincere to me. He only wants to go home and live with his family in California.”
Birch ran a hand over his face. His beard itched and his face felt scoured by the wind. “What if we make land fall before that?”
Xenia shook her head. “I gave my word, I won’t cause trouble.”
“But you’re safe, he doesn’t want anything else from you?”
Again Xenia shook her head. “He just wants to finish this voyage as fast as possible.”
“I hope you’re right,” Birch said. “I’d rather leave sooner if the opportunity arises, but anything we do is risky. Barnaby said that we’ll make landfall in about three weeks somewhere in South America.”
“Even if we could get off the ship and find our way to dry land, we don’t have any money, and we don’t know anyone who could help us there. We could end up in an even worse situation.” Xenia said
Birch nodded. “We’ll play it your way for now,” he said, “but if anyone causes trouble for you or you think you’re in danger, I won’t promise to abide by this agreement.”
Xenia smiled at Birch appreciating his desire to protect and care for her. For now she felt confident that the captain was a man of his word however, and would hope for the best.
***
The next few weeks fell into a steady routine with Xenia cooking frantically as well as scouring the deck, checking lines, keeping watch and all the other duties the sailor’s life was so full of.
Some nights she curled into her swaying hammock weary and sore while others she braced against rough weather and squalls that tossed their bark like a child’s toy.
Barnaby assured her that as weather went so far they had not seen any true unpleasantness, which only made Xenia worry more. She watched her hands transform over time into hard calloused entities that seemed to understand how to do specific jobs without so much as an inkling from her brain.
Her favorite duty was in the crow’s nest though, high above the noise and bustle of the crew below.
Several times they spotted other vessels making their way north or further east but the captain preferred to steer well clear of any potential danger.
On the fourth week Xenia was high above the waves letting her body sway and glide with the rolling of the sea when she spotted land.
She nearly jumped with excitement but remembered where she was and covered her eyes to be sure they weren’t deceiving her.
“Land Ho!” she cried letting her words spill from deep inside her chest so that they would carry to the deck below.
Gobbs hurried to the bow spit squinting in the direction she was pointing as he tried to spy the ragged shore line himself.
“Fetch da Cap’n,” he called to a passing sailor and soon Xenia watched as the captain pulled his spy glass from its case and studied the distance.
“Land ho,” The captain bellowed making the men cheer as he instructed them to make ready for port. “Don’t get too comfortable on shore,” the burly man barked as the men reefed the sail and turned the rudder. “We’ll be a day and a night then on we go.”
“You heard the cap’n,” Gobbs growled as the men hurried their preparations for landfall. “We restock what’s needed and carry on. The reward awaits on the golden shore!”
The captain closed his spy glass settling it into the protective case once more then turned to study Xenia high up in the crow’s nest before leaning over and whispering something in the quarter master’s ear.
Moments later the man’s hard eyes found Xenia and she cringed at the gleam of resentment she saw. She knew she hadn’t done anything to deserve such a look and could only imagine that the Captain had said something to him that he wasn’t pleased with.
Scanning the deck below Xenia sought out Birch who was busy reefing sail and heeling the ship toward shore.
Had the captain broken his word to her? Had he told Gobbs what she was? Would they set her ashor
e alone and penniless or was a worse fate in store?
Two hours later Xenia scrabbled down from her post as the ship made anchor in a calm bay. The other sailors made the ship secure then headed for the rowboats that were being lowered into the water.
“You,” Gobbs called waiving Xenia over as he made his way to the rope ladder on the port side. “You and your lot stay here and don’t try nothin’ funny, or I’ll wring your necks meself.” His hard eyes glimmered with menace and Xenia believed every word.
“Nothin’ I want to see,” Xenia blustered.
Gobbs scowled at her once more. “Cap’n says I’m ta bring ya a cat or two. What for?”
“For the rats,” Xenia said boldly feeling Birch and Barnaby step up behind her. “Or do you like eating rat droppings?”
Gobbs raised an arm as if to clout Xenia but Barnaby and Birch leaned forward menacingly.
“Cat’s are bad luck,” the man spat, “but you’ll get what the cap’n calls for.” He dropped over the side of the ship rapidly making the decent to the waiting boat.
Birch placed his hands on Xenia’s shoulders turning her toward him to study her face. “You shouldn’t bait him,” he said. “Men like that don’t care who you are or how old you are, they’ll take their vengeance hot or cold.”
Xenia shook her head. “He’s just mad because he won’t get to waste his precious time ashore,” she said.
Below she could hear the man barking orders to the crew and soon the little boat was headed to shore.
“What will they bring back Barnaby?” Xenia asked leaning on the railing and trying to make out the shore.
“That’ll depend on the captain’s wishes,” Barnaby said. I hope for all our sakes they bring back some fresh food. It’s a long dangerous journey around the horn and we’ll all need our strength.”
“Did you really ask the captain for a cat?” Barnaby asked staring at Xenia.
The young woman shrugged. “I figured since I was already into it up to my shoulders a little more wouldn’t hurt.”
Barnaby chuckled. It was a relief to be alone on the ship with Xenia and Birch they could let down their guard for a short while at least.
“I hope he brings back some mighty big cats then,” the old sailor said. “The rats is getting bigger by the day.”
Xenia spun eyes wide as she looked at the old sailor in horror. “You’re joking right?” she pleaded but Barnaby only tipped a shoulder and turned away.
Chapter 13
Xenia watched as the rowboats became tiny bobbing items on the water as the other men rowed to shore.
She knew she was safer onboard the vessel with Barnaby and Birch but she also wished she could go ashore and see the coastline of an entirely different country.
What wonders must await on the sands of the coast? New fruits, different people, foods she had never even heard of before.
In New York there had been people from every walk of life. Immigrants arriving daily from all over the world and bringing with them their own traditions, practices and foods that were soon blended in the melting pot that was America.
Each culture and people coming to the new land full of hope and hard work as they looked for a better life brought with them something that once added to the culture enriched and strengthened it as they learned to live in their new home.
She’d visited schools where immigrant children were taught to read and write by many in the clergy who wanted them to truly find a better life.
“What are you thinking about?” Birch asked as he leaned on the rail next to her.
“People,” Xenia replied. “In New York there were always new people arriving from different lands, and now here I am looking at a foreign shore, and I’ll never get to touch it.”
“You’re safer here you know that right?”
“I know,” Xenia said looking up at him, “that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to see it.” She turned back to the shoreline trying to make out anything other than the neighboring ships in the harbor.
“Did you know that when people come to America from another country they rarely learn the common language of English?”
Birch looked down at Xenia. “Surely they have to be able to make a living.”
“No, the first generation usually learns just enough to work and survive. It’s the second generation that truly learns the language bridging the difference between the old home country and language and the new. They adapt I guess you would say. They speak two languages and understand the value of what they left behind while embracing the opportunities of the new country they now call home.”
“Does that cause problems?” Birch asked. Xenia must have studied this issue as a teacher, and he was surprised at her understanding.
“No, not usually,” Xenia explained. “The older generation maintains their traditions, values, even the foods of the old country while the younger adapt and become a part of the greater good of the nation.”
“What about their children? Do they speak two languages and keep the old traditions?” Birch was surprised at how curious he was.
“From the studies of linguists I’ve read, the third generation seldom speaks the original language. Instead they embrace the new country as their home and only maintain traditions that the family adopts as their own special right.”
“So they blend and grow into something new and special?”
“Yes, I think you put that well. I’ve never taught in any of the special language schools, but sometimes Wiggie would send things to the teachers there to help. We had all sorts of students at the Wigg School. Madam Wigg believed that all students, no matter what their background or situations should be given an education.”
“And you agree with that?”
“I do,” Xenia turned from her view of the shore line looking fully at Birch.
The sun off the water set his dusky hair alight with streaks of white and light blonde.
“Sometimes I wish more was done for others as well though,” she continued. “Anyone who wants to improve themselves so that they can be a productive part of society should be able to get an education. Take these sailors for example. Barnaby has very little book learning and few skills that he could use once he leaves life on the sea. What will become of him when he’s too old to sail? What skills does he have that he can use to feed himself? Everyone should have a choice.”
Birch smiled down at Xenia, her green eyes were full of fire as she spoke and the light of the westward sinking sun added a rosy glow to her cheeks. He wondered how the men on the ship could be so blind to Xenia’s true nature.
“I think education is important,” Xenia continued. “I mean reading and writing, and math, but it’s not the end of learning. You learn every day of your life and become a better person for it. My problem is when someone is pushed into something or denied an opportunity because of lack of knowledge. So many men and women get up every day and go to a job they despise, but it’s all they know, and they’re trapped.”
Birch reached out tracing his finger along Xenia’s jaw line where the light from the water played against her weather darkened skin.
“You don’t think people should be trapped,” he mused.
“Exactly,” Xenia said feeling a tingle where his fingers brushed her skin. “I don’t care what job you take as long as you know you always have a choice. Learn a skill, a craft, a trade, but make sure that you keep learning so that you can change if you wish.”
Birch had stopped hearing her words as his head buzzed with the light in her eyes. He could see the passion that burned in her, the desire to see others find their own best way, and he knew he was in trouble.
“Is that why you came after me?” he said his voice husky.
“No, I came after you because you were being kidnapped.”
Xenia looked up seeing a strange light kindled in Birch’s eyes.
“We’re both trapped you know?” Birch said studying her lips.
“Yes, but we won’t be forever.” Xe
nia whispered as his thumb stroked her throat making her shiver.
“I think I’m in trouble,” Birch said leaning closer. “I think you’ve captured my heart.”
Xenia gasped as his lips met hers and the world seemed to shimmer in a haze of red and gold with the setting sun.
Chapter 14
Xenia had never been kissed before and even after Birch walked away her head was spinning.
It was foolish for Birch to kiss her, even if they were alone on the ship. What if someone had seen them? And why had he done it?
She touched her lips feeling the ocean breeze cooling their soft curves. Xenia was starting to see Birch in a whole different light, and she suspected that she would like to kiss him again.
***
“That was a fool’s move,” Barnaby said as he slipped down the main sail. “You need to keep your head about you with that girl, or you’ll end both of you in a pickle.”
Birch nodded his ears turning red with embarrassment. “I don’t know what came over me,” he admitted feeling like every kind of an idiot.
“I do, but that don’t mean you can let it happen again.” Barnaby barked. “Most of this crew’s all right, a bit salty but square just the same. A few however would sell their mothers for a pint of ale and a light skirt.”
“Like the two that grabbed me,” Birch mused.
“Just like them,” Barnaby agreed. “This captain’s pretty upright, but he’s desperate and desperate men make mistakes. He’s taken on those two because he needs to get this cargo to San Francisco. He’s even ignored bad practice to be able to sail fast, so you keep your wits about you, or we’ll all pay the price.”
Birch nodded. “I will Barnaby, I promise.” He agreed. “But when we get out of this mess, I’m going to find it mighty hard to let Xenia go.”
Barnaby chuckled dropping down the last few feet from where he’d perched on a barrel. “Son, I don’t think you’ll get much choice in the matter,” the old sailor said. “If that girl sets her mind to something no one will be able to turn her from it.” He chuckled taking himself off to do some other bit of work that he’d noticed.
