Free Slave Of Destiny by Derek Easterbrook Page B

left the town and followed the road out to his
property, they passed by a shipyard in a cove. Several ships were in various
stages of construction and piles of straight-cut timber lay close by.
    “That’s the steam house” Vijendra pointed out a large
building with smoke coming from a chimney. “Stop here George.”
    When he noticed Michael had a blank look on his face he
elaborated on what he just said. “The workers steam the timbers so that they
can bend them for the ribs. When the timber becomes soft and supple it is then
tied in position over some logs. When the timber dries it sets in that position
and then they remove them and use them for the ribs of the ship.”
    Michael could hear axes cutting timber and hammers hammering
in nails.
    “Indonesia’s indigenous people are inter-mixed with all of
Asia and it’s reflected by the type of sailing vessels we make. The ship you
were on, before I sank it, was a western styled schooner. They are slow and
cumbersome. My ship has much taller masts than the traditional ones and the
rigging is different and, with a lighter hull, it gives me plenty of speed. The
long bowsprit is capable of carrying three foresails, while the three masts
carry three staysails and three top sails. Even two mizzens on standing gaffs
can be added for further speed. The fishermen and traders had adopted smaller
rigs for inter-island trade. It’s called Pinisiq rigging” he explained to me.
“Let’s go George.”
    As they travelled further along the road Michael could see a
jetty with a schooner anchored well off the end of it and other smaller
vessels, bobbing majestically in the bay.
     
    * * *
     
    “Keep away from the docks, my boy. Black Bart and his band of
pirates frequent the area. You’ll be fairly safe at the shipyard, so if you
need somewhere to go then go there” he advised him after lunch, when they were
alone. “You might even learn a trade.”
    “I’ve heard Pricilla asking about you” Michael mentioned,
changing the subject.
    “What’s she saying about me?” he asked loudly, becoming
alarmed.
    “She’s just been asking if anybody’s seen you around.
That’s…That’s all I’ve heard” he replied.
    “Keep away from that one, boy. She’s dangerous” he advised
him.
    “A few people have told me the same story, so I’m trying not
to go anywhere near her” he said.
    “You look upon me as a pirate or a scoundrel, but in all
reality I’m just trying to earn a living. The steam-ships, which are built now,
can easily outrun us so I may have to turn to trading spices, timber and goods.
The alternating east and west monsoon winds, makes this area a layover point
for traders all over the world. The White Raj has made life difficult for me as
well, recently catching and sinking several pirate ships” he admitted.
    “I wouldn’t mind going with you, if you’re going to trade
legally. How would the White Raj know if you’ve changed from being a pirate to
a trader?” Michael asked.
    “I’ll fly the British flag” he admitted. “I’ll probably have
to repaint the hull, so his men won’t recognize us.”
    “There’s something I want to ask you, but I don’t know if I
should. There was another girl on the Teresa , but she was kidnapped by
her ex-husband, Marcus. Her name is Sauli Bhanj; the Maharaja’s daughter and I want
to know if she’s safe. If you hear anything about her or even hear her name,
could you let me know?” he enquired.
    “I can tell you’re
in love with her. I’ll do what I can for you, young warrior and I’ll consider
you as a cabin boy on my maiden trading voyage. I have work to do now, but
George will take you back to your room as soon as you’re ready” he said,
leaving me alone.

Chapter 10
     
    Michael returned
back to work the next morning, unaware of Pricilla’s hostility, and soon became
engrossed in what he was doing. The cook was a plump woman and she was
preparing the food when she heard the violent curse from the