Dwellers of the New World Chapter Seventeen ( Pt 8 ) Pause For Thought

Dawson squeezed into the little boat and nestled himself down next to Varden looking sheepish and grinning, but feeling cold and wet, as his waterlogged clothes clung to his body.

“Well!” Announced Addie, not used to being stuck in such a confined space and longing to get back on dry land himself. “You look a lot better, whatever that creature did it definitely did the job.”

Dawson frowned, shivering as his whole body ached, especially his back which was now taking the full brunt of the cold breeze that blew. He too couldn't wait to get back to the bay and onto dry land, he'd had enough of the Ocean and didn't really care if he never went on it again. “I really need to get out of theses wet clothes, can we start a fire on the beach so I can dry off?”

“Not a good idea!” Replied Varden, realising his friends discomfort, but knowing their safety came first. “If there's any guards around, they'll find us and we'll be taken.”

Dawson continued to tremble, not caring about what he looked like. “Well! I'm going to get out of these rags as soon as we reach the beach, there's no way I want to get ill again.”

Varden didn't understand why Dawson should worry about being wet, it was only water and had never harmed him, to the boy, he was worrying about nothing. “Wait till we get back to the wagon – there's some sacking in the back, I'm sure we can fix something up for you.” Varden declared.

Dawson's face turned sullen, he was fed up of living in rags, now he was feeling better he envied Addie and the others in their suits, wishing he had his own clothing from home.

Soon they reached the shore and clambered out of the boat, pulling it in. Will and Cinnamon were sat on the sand holding hands, it seemed to Varden that a relationship was forming between the two. They joined the others in dragging the tiny craft across the beach, finally placing it back in its hiding place, then wandered back up to the horses and carts.

Ben had stayed behind with the horses to keep them calm and also to look out for danger, though he wasn't sure what he'd have done had he encountered any guards, a man out here on the moors alone could be vulnerable.

“So! Where's this doom chamber you mentioned?” Asked Addie. Dawson had told him all about his expedition through the tunnels and the chamber where he'd discovered Varden and his friends. But now all he could think about was finding that sacking Varden had told him about.

“It's not too far from here;” replied Dawson. “What do you think Varden? Should we go there now?”

“No!” Replied the boy, keeping his eyes and ears open for danger. “I think we should come down when the fog is low, we're less likely to be seen.”

After much discussion, they decided the boy was right and felt they'd done enough for one day. It was time to return to the children.

Dawson climbed into the back of the wagon, his mind full of all the encounters he'd had, grateful to have come through them all so far. Taking off his wet top, he took one of the sacks and tore some holes for arms and his head to go through.

Will wasn't happy about leaving, but knew he hadn't a choice in the matter. “I need to get back to the barracks before I'm missed and a search party comes out looking for me.”

“Can we see you tomorrow?” Enquired Cinnamon, aware her feelings for Will were stronger than first thought. She reflected on all the time they'd been working side by side, it was only now that the realisation of love for him became apparent.

Turning to leave, there was a silence as he spoke, only the cold wind blowing in off the ocean was a distraction. “Sorry! I won't be able to get away; I'm on guard duty, but I'll be thinking about you.” Will marched off, head held high; sensing Cinnamon's affection deepening, left him with a warm glow inside, this was what he'd wanted since they first met.

The girl thought it strange that he shared the same name as her young friend! 'Perhaps Will is the man for me!' She thought. 'It could be a sign that's been under my nose the whole time! Cinnamon always thought of Will as a friend, but now she wished he could come with them – but it wasn't to be and she'd have to accept the situation for now.

As they set off, the sky remained clear for the rest of the day, but still icy cold; Dawson had become accustomed to the chill and found himself enjoying the rawness, it was energizing and left the man feeling better than he had before. 'Perhaps the Ocean isn't that bad!' He thought.

It didn't take them long to get back to the bay, where young Will was waiting in anticipation. When he saw Cinnamon, he came running to her somewhat out of breath. “Is it time to go home yet?” The other children on seeing the horses and carts, were not far behind the boy.

“No! Not quite yet,” replied the girl. “We need to get some rest and so do the horses, un less you want to walk home!” She smiled at young Will, brushing his hair with her fingers.

The boy made a funny expression of distaste. “No way, I'd rather be playing than walking.”

Cinnamon laughed. “Well then – you'd better go and play, it'll soon be time to get your head down and sleep.” The boy turned and went running off down the beach with the others.

Peco had returned to the ship, leaving Varg in charge of the boys, though to be honest the man drank more than his fair share of ale and wouldn't have noticed if one of the youngsters had gone missing – child care definitely wasn't his thing. His confidence recovered as he fast became inebriated, coming to standing, his body swayed,

Varg decided he was now in the right frame of mind to go tell his parents about Jason. It would also be good too climb into his own bed tonight, with the privacy of his and Jason's cabin, though he would miss not waking with his brother, it felt to Varg that he'd lost a part of himself, like loosing an arm or a leg. Shaking the thoughts from his mind, he noticed the others return, so grabbed his tankard and downed the last of the dredges, then left Brew Cottage, sauntering across the beach and up the path to the cliff top, ready to face his parents.

Dwellers of the New World Chapter Eighteen ( Pt 1 ) The Master Has Spoken | ABCtales