The Beginning of the Blakes' Adventures

Chapter Five: Away with Adventure and Onward to Sea

  The air was warm and crisp; the sound of birds chirping and boats docking filled the air. The scent of ocean was overpowering. The dock was spacious and somewhat remote. Boats of all colors and sizes were docked here. Yellow boats there, green boats there, big steam ships there, and small fisherman boats there. Some of the sailors were gruff and shaggy, and others were dressed of higher class. Some boats were mucky and almost grotesque; covered in seaweed and barnacles, others were beautiful to behold with shining colors and sails.

 A black pickup truck with a trailer arrived at the dock. The sailors didn't regard it for anything but another sailor, passing it with little interest. When some people looked in, they could see nine heads cramped in the truck. The truck drove slowly to the end of the dock, where a small blue ship lay anchored.

 When the truck stopped, people quickly piled out, stumbling over one another. The Blakes looked around the dock in awe. Ava was absolutely enthralled and squealed, "I've never seen so many boats in my life!" The rest of them nodded; Mel and Charlie flashing each other amused glances. They saw a large market near the front, with all kinds of fish in abundance and other sea life that was caught in the nets. The market had fish of all different shapes, sizes and colors.

 "It smells like—fish." Mel said, wrinkling her nose.

   Nick laughed. "It is fish. And that's because there's a big market right over there." He was gesturing towards a large number of tents near the end of the dock . "Let's get everything on board." He walked to the boat, patting it like an old horse, "I've missed you," He whispered.

After lugging all the supplies, luggage, and necessities onto the boat, they brought Hatchet and Ranger aboard. Then they lifted the anchor and started to sail South-West.

  The weather was warm and sunny, with a fare breeze blowing. The Blakes and Nick lounged on the deck near the front of the ship. Mel, Charlie, Will and Abigail stood at the rails, chatting and enjoying the view. There was nothing to be seen but the blue ocean and the blue sky. Mel was enjoying the breeze and mist from the sea, everything seemed so serene. Mel turned around to see Nick telling stories to the young kids, everyone laughing and joyous. She smiled; she hadn't Ava laugh so much in such a long time. Ava was a small seven-year-old, with wavy brown hair, and light green eyes. Ava was mischievous. She was quiet; she didn't speak a lot, mostly listening. Ava was Mel's baby sister, her annoying, mischievous yet angelic baby sister. Ava looked up, and noticed Mel looking at her and smiled, her green eyes glistening.

  Mel came over and sat next to Ava, and Ava held her dainty little hand. Ava turned to Nick and asked, "Do you own this boat?" Nick smiled at her, "Yes." Ava's grin widened, if that were possible. She jumped up and let go of Mel's hand, skipping to where Abigail, Will and Charlie were standing.

  "So," Mel began, "Where can we get something to eat? I'm starving!" Nick smiled, and led everyone to a dining room. Everyone was sitting around a long table, eating plain sandwiches. Everything seemed quiet; everyone in deep in thought. Nick was wondering how he could possibly teach all these kids. He had trained people to fight before; he had taught grown men and women; these were mere juveniles, dependent children. He thought about forfeiting the training idea altogether and forcing the Blake children to go home and let him go, but he knew the older ones were head-strong and would never consent. He couldn't save Derek and Thomas alone.

   Mel was wondering if she'd see her uncle and Derek again, and watch she would tell Derek's family. She wondered what had happened to her parents. Where were they? Where they in danger too? Frustrated, she couldn't ascertain the answers to any of these questions. Everyone was thinking the same thing: Would they be able to rescue Thomas and Derek? Were their parents safe? Would Nick really be able to train them? What would they do when they got to Australia? Then Mel broke the silence. "Are we sailing all the way to Australia?"