The Thief, The Beggar, and the Dragonstone

Chapter 2

Ma was still sitting on the trunk when Hez and Jack got to the docks. The morning excursion had taken its toll on her. With slumped shoulders and exhaustion, their mother conversed with a woman in a blue dress and white blouse, with a red cross on her shawl. A Sister of the Light, she traveled around healing and midwifery. 

Hez handed Pa the herbs and helped Jack load the luggage. Ma grabbed Hez's arm. "Remember what I've told you. It's impossible for you to do it alone. Don't be afraid to ask your friends for help. Let your family help you." Ma's mind had become muddled. She often spoke nonsense. This had been the case for some time.

Hez replied, "I will, Ma,"

 The Sister of the Light wiped the spittle from Ma's chin.

The trunk was loaded onto the dolly by Hez and Jack while Pa helped Ma to stand. Jack rolled the dolly up the Gangplank to the riverboat. There were sailors aboard the ship who would take care of the luggage and would carry it to the cabin. There was a whistling sound from the boat. It was time to board the freighter. The dockworkers hurried through their tasks.

Ma pulled away from the Sister, telling her she could walk all by herself. Pa steadied her with his arm. Hez was relieved to hear that the Sister of the Light would accompany them. The Sister was due up north on business.

John came running up just in time. He had almost missed their parents' departure. They exchanged hugs between John and his mother.

The boys gathered around Pa. "Listen up. We're going away for three weeks. Look after one another." The boys were upset. Nobody wanted their mother to be sick.

 Pa looked tired. He was becoming worn out from the all the extra work he had done to prepare for the voyage.

 The moment Ma saw Jack inch away from the crowd, she signaled for him to return to her side, and beckoned Hez and John to join them as well, drawing them in closer.

Ma took John's arm and said, "Look after your brothers." Brushing his hair away from his eyes, she said, "You will have great responsibilities. Your family will look up to you." She frowned at him. "Don't let hatred consume you," Ma said. "You must learn to forgive. Please repent once you have come to your senses!" Ma shook John, "Repentance is the key. Things aren't always as they seem." It was at this point that she pulled John down and kissed him on the forehead.

Hez was next to hear his mother's ramblings as she spoke with a sense of urgency. "My son, trust in those closest to you. Not everyone is your enemy. Your brothers love you and will support you through any challenges you may face. You cannot overcome everything alone. Family and friends are essential. Show kindness to everyone, and do not let anger consume you." Ma chuckled. "Do not follow my example. Sometimes, those you despise are the ones you need the most. Practice mercy and forgiveness." She gave Hez a hug. "Remember, Hez, I love you."

 The tears were streaming down Hez's face. It was clear to see that his mother believed she wasn't coming back. This was her final goodbye. Both of them cried on each other's shoulders as they hugged.

The boat's captain was getting impatient. All cargo and passengers were aboard.

Ma spoke softly to Jack. "My little Jacky," Mother sobbed, "I love you. I have always loved you." 

Ma grabbed Jack's arm and shook it. "I know you didn't kill Gertrude. I'll always believe you." Taking Jack into her arms, she squeezed him tightly.

"You will find love." Ma babbled on, "Sometimes the people who seem to hate you are the ones who need you most.". Tears covered their faces. "There will be people who try to push you away. She will hurt you, but she needs you. Do you hear me?" Ma shook Jack again. "Never let fear rule you. They will need you."