Over the Horizon ~ Chapter 2

Chapter Two

The days past slowly. Dani and the others spent most of their time in a half-asleep, half-awake state. The constant rocking back and forth of the boat had become quite nauseating. The crew had started taking a few people up on deck each day, for some fresh air. But this did nothing to help those who were left behind.

Dani awoke one morning to a hushed rattling from the lock on the door of their prison, like someone attempting to unlock it without disturbing anybody. She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes. After all there was no reason to hurry. The only things to look forward to, were the food that one of the crew would bring, and the chance of being picked to have the day up on deck.

Yawning and stretching, Dani turned to face the door just as it yearned opened. Standing in the doorway stood a young man of about sixteen or seventeen years of age. She thought there was something vaguely familiar about him. Something about his short mud brown hair and bright green eyes that gave her the feeling that they were acquainted. But try as she might, she could not remember where she had seen him before. Probably when boarding the ship, she thought.

Still standing in the doorway, he glanced around the space, disgust flickering across his face. Then, as if remembering he had a job to do, he shook his head, and turned his focus to an older woman who was sitting by the door. Her hair was grubby and she held a small bundle that cried. Leaning over, he whispered something to her. To answer, the woman pointed to where Dani sat. Nodding his head in thanks, he made his way through the maze of people over to Dani.

“Um… Danielle Took?” he asked.

It surprised Dani, hearing him say her name.

“Yes?”

Instead of replying, he gestured for her to follow him. He turned and started making his way back to the door.

Getting to her feet, somewhat unsteadily, she begun to follow him. She had just made her way through without any trouble, when the ship tilted, causing her to lose her balance. And before she could regain it again, she tripped over her own feet, sending her flying forward, towards the young man. Dani hit him with the force of a crumbling wall, sending them both to the floor with a thud.

As quickly as she fell, Dani was back up again. Her cheeks flashed hot with embarrassment. He probably already thinks of me as a convict with no morals or manners and now a klutz as well. She thought.

“Sorry.” She quickly mumbled as she held out her hand to help him up. After a moment’s hesitation, he took it. With a quick pull, he was soon on his feet again.

“Well, I can see ya still don’t have your sea legs.” He said with a smile.

“Yeah, well, it’s a bit hard to get them when you don’t get a lot of chances to walk down here.” Dani shot back, not returning his smile. This, instantly, made his smile disappear.

“It doesn’t matter, anyway. You’ll get them soon enough.” He shut the door, locked it, then turned and headed down the corridor, towards the stairs Dani had only been down once since boarding the ship. It was obvious he expected her to follow him, so she quickly ran to catch up.

“So…” she said after a few moments of walking in an awkward silence, “who are you and where are you taking me exactly?”

“One of the Marines’ wife is sick and he wanted to find someone to look after her. He picked you because he saw how you comforted the other convicts down there,” He gestured over his shoulder at where they had just come from, “and he was hoping you would be able to help comfort his wife as well.”

He came to the stairway to the next level of the ship just then. He took the stairs two at a time. Then stopping half way up, he turned and said, “My name’s Nate by the way.”

Then he continued his climb up the stairs. Dani followed as quickly as possible. When she reached the top, she was blinded by the bright sunlight. Blinking rapidly, she gave her eyes a moment to adjust. As soon as she could see again, she glanced around, noticing some other crew members working not far away. After all that time being locked down in the hold, it seemed so strange to see them. Turning back to Nate, she saw he was already moving, so she, again, raced after him.

They quickly made it to the cabin area of the ship. It was where most of the Marines and free settlers stayed. Dani started to fidget with her dress and hair. What do I know of being a maid? What if I do something wrong and they send me back to the Hold? She thought to herself. So there and then she made up her mind to be a perfect servant.

Nate suddenly stopped outside a cabin with the number 4 engraved in its door. Giving her a small smile, he walked up and rapped on the door. After only a moment a short, plump woman opened it. Looking from Nate and to Dani, and then back again. She looked slightly confused. Had they gotten the wrong room? Dani wondered.

“Officer Williams told me to bring Mrs Williams a maid to help her out while she is feeling poorly, miss. I hope you don’t mind.” An unfazed Nate explained.

“Mind? Why not at all. In fact it is just what dear Hanna needs, seeing how she supposed to stay off her feet and all. I can’t be here all the time, you know. I’ve my own family to take care of.” She chirped, “Well, why don’t you bring the young lady in and we’ll get her organized.” She said as she ushered them into the cabin, before either could protest.

The cabin was rather small with two bunks built into the wall on one side, and shelves and a cupboard on the other. In between sat a lonely rocking chair. And in the rocking sat a small petty woman with a long, brown braid over her small shoulder.

“Why, Hanna dear, look what John got for you. Your own personal maid. Come here, girl. Let her get a look at you.” The lady said beckoning to Dani.

Stepping forward, Dani felt shabby and dirty. Out of habit, she pulled at piece of her dark red hair. Would this lady approve of her? Sighing, she released her hair, straitened her shoulders and lifted her head. Whatever happens, happens.

Standing there in front of her could-be mistress, Dani stood tall. For a moment she just looked over the top of Mrs Williams head, but then she ventured to look her in the eye. Dani was surprised to find a faint look of approval on her face. With a small nod, Mrs William smiled.

Then turning to Nate, she said: “Thank you for delivering her.”

“Yes. It was very thoughtful of you.” said the other lady.

“Not thoughtfulness Mrs Davis. I was just doing my job. Now if you will excuse me, I’ve got work to get back to.” And with that, Nate opened the door and left.

Dani felt slightly uncomfortable seeing him leave. She had felt at ease around him, and now she was left with these strange two women. What would happen now? What was she to do? She hoped she would find out soon.

Turning her attention back to the women in the room, she stood there silently, not sure what she should do next.

“So… what is your name, dear?” Mrs Williams asked.

“Dani. I mean, Danielle Took, ma’am.” Dani answered, lifting her head slightly. She had been named after her, now dead, mother and she felt proud to be.

Mrs Williams stared at Dani for a moment, shock clearly written on her face. Then her expression changed from shock to a look of understanding.

“Yes… yes, you do seem like a Took.” she said, smiling.