|🌴| Shipwrecked Princess |🌺| A Novel |🌺| Complete |🌴|

🌴 Chapter Seven 🌴

A few days later, William had been able to get Essa, Indigo, Roki, Shylar, Toki, and Bananas on the ship that was formerly known as a moving island.

Alex had rigged a makeshift platform with a pulley system to hoast Misty onto the ship. William and Alex both pulled the rope, which pulled Misty up and up until the platform was level with the ship.

Misty kept glancing back at the shore where her parents were waving her off. "I don't know about this Essa." Her lip quivered as her eyes focused on her parents.

Essa's expression softens at Misty's hesitation. "It is okie. I will be with you and we can return anytime we want." She reached her hand out and Misty wrapped her trunk around her hand.

Reluctantly, Misty stepped off the platform and onto the ship, it creaked at first because Misty was so heavy. "Eeek!" She let out a startled shriek and jumped out of the way every time it creaked.

Once it stopped she took a deep breath and teked to calm her rapid beating heart. "That was scary." She carefully stepped around trying to get used to the feeling of the bobbing ship. "I don't like this, Essa,"

Essa lightly patted the top of Misty's head as her animal family waved to their family lined up on the beach. "I know," She whispered, her heart feeling a bit heavy at Misty and her dislike for the ship.

William pulled down the masses and tied the ropes down. He glanced back at Essa who was waving towards the animals on the beach. "You done waving? We need to get a move on someday soon." He said, his voice hinting sarcasm.

"Why are you being a soggy piece of wood?" Essa asked, crossing her arms as she shifted her weight on her leg, popping out her hip and looking down at him with a frown.

William shook his head, turning his back to her and looking over his shoulder. "Stop asking so many questions." He told her as he walked away, stepping up the stairs and to where the wheel was at. 

Essa let her arms flop to her sides as she stood on her tiptoes calling out to him. "But I like asking questions! I like learning!" She whined, placing her hands on the side of the ship, she looked out as they moved away from her island.

Jayme looked over at her and sighed, closing his journal from taking inventory. "Forgive him. He is in a sour mood and tends to lash out without meaning to." He told her as he wrapped the string around the journal. "If you need answers, I'll gladly answer them for you."

Essa turned to him with wide, skeptical eyes. "Really? Thanks!" She earnestly said with a smile on her lips. "What are the big bare trees with blankets connected to them? Why is there a circle thing Alex is holding on to? How did this floating island not sink? How long will it take to get to your home? Is it another island? What does it look like? Are there animals there too?"

Jayme's eyes widened as she listed off a ton of questions all in one breath. "Whoa, you do have a lot of questions." He mused, glancing over at William and Alex who were conversing. 

He looked back at Essa and started to answer her. "Those are called masses. He is holding onto a wheel, it controls where we go. It doesn't sink because it's coated in pitch, I'll explain that later. A few weeks could be less or more if we run into any storms or make any stops. Technically, yes it's an island, but it's called a continent since it's so big. You'll see when you get there and yes, there are many animals there along with people like you and me."

Essa took all he had said in and sat down on a barrel. "Ooh," She marveled, looking up at the sky. "Can I ask you questions later? I've got a lot to ask." She asked, turning her head towards Jayme.

Jayme nodded his head, giving Essa a smile. "Of course. Ask me anything. I'd be happy to explain whatever you want in vivid detail, I'd even show you." He offered, feeling an excited feeling in his chest at her, depending on him for answers. "If you'll excuse me," He pivoted on his heels and walked down the stairs towards the hull.