Mar 25, 2017 4:15 am
It is still a few hours before dawn. The pitch black darkness of the night is illuminated by several ships’ lanterns that move rhythmically as the ship lulls from side to side as the tide slowly comes into the harbour. You patiently await your turn to board as the richer passengers pass you by and jump to the front of the queue. Finally, your moment comes and you step up onto the gangplank and present your ticket to the ship’s mate.
Welcome aboard The Indomitable he says. You hand him your ticket. Steerage he says and points at a door leading down towards the ship’s hull. You make your way through the crowded hallways full of families who are busy claiming cabins and stowing their few possessions. Finally, you find a cabin that isn’t crammed too full of people. There are a few other people in the cabin and you stow your things and sit down on an unoccupied hammock. A grizzled, old sailor looks you up and down. Aye he says by way of greeting,What cruel twist of fate brings ye here? Are ye like me? Did you take the Queen’s mercy? Speak up now. We’ve a long voyage and nothing but each other’s company with which ta pass the time.
Welcome aboard The Indomitable he says. You hand him your ticket. Steerage he says and points at a door leading down towards the ship’s hull. You make your way through the crowded hallways full of families who are busy claiming cabins and stowing their few possessions. Finally, you find a cabin that isn’t crammed too full of people. There are a few other people in the cabin and you stow your things and sit down on an unoccupied hammock. A grizzled, old sailor looks you up and down. Aye he says by way of greeting,What cruel twist of fate brings ye here? Are ye like me? Did you take the Queen’s mercy? Speak up now. We’ve a long voyage and nothing but each other’s company with which ta pass the time.
