The Secret of the Stone

Chapter 6

Elsie

A few days later, shortly after lunch was served, I was cleaning up. Eddy pop’s his head into the small room. “Hey! Want to climb the crow's nest with me and Issac?” I wipe my hands off on cloth drying them. I had just finished cleaning the last of the dishes. Pausing, I scrunch my face unsure climbing the mast was something I wanted to do ever again. Eddy see’s my hesitation. “Come on Elias! It’s like a right of passage for all cabin boy’s and it’s a beautiful day today. Just don’t forget your hat, the sun is hot.” Grunting reluctantly he claps me on the back. 

“Fine but hopefully Isaac doesn't hate me like John does.” I grab my hat and follow him out. 

“John mistrusts everyone at first. Don’t mind him.” We reach the bottom of the mast and Eddy starts climbing. Looking up at the crows nest, I swallow my hands freezing. Eddy looks down at me. “Hurry up!” Then he scampers up even faster. The warmed metal feels smooth in my palm as I grasp it and start to climb. I could feel the wind blowing at me and I freeze for a moment. The sun was hot and my back was sweaty. Why did I do this again? I was going to beat up Eddy when I got up there! I continue upwards and before I know it there is a hand in my face. Scrambling for it someone hauls me up to the platform.“You made it, congratulations! We thought for sure you were gonna fall for a second there.” I punch Eddy in the arm and he flinches. “Ow. I was still rooting for you the whole time!” I glare at him and turn my attention to Isaac. He was a handsome fellow. Very tall and lean with light golden hair. “You’re really tall!” I blurt out at him. That sets them both into fits of laughter and I look out at the sea and my eyes widen. It was sparkling like a bright blue jewel and the wind rushed past keeping us from overheating.

“It sure is a sight huh?” Isaac says looking out at it. 

“The first time I had to climb up here I almost pissed my pants. But after the first time it’s easy.” Isaac sits on the edge of the crows nest feet dangling over. 

I look at him nervously. “What if you fall off?” 

He shrugs. “Haven’t so far.” I felt like that was a rather stupid reply but I didn’t question him. These sailors were definitely fearless. I look around at the platform and start to realize it is much bigger than most I have seen. “Why is it so big?” I ask Eddy curiously. Most are just a bucket barely big enough for one person. This one had a platform attached with beams pinned between the two masts. It had a railing around it that was weather worn and smooth. 

“Ah, the captain had it altered a bit. He wanted more than one crew member to be able to stand up here. Plus he likes hanging out here.” 

“He is not very sociable.” I mused out loud.

Isaac flicks hair out of his eyes and grunts. “Captain Dax has had his fair share of hardships. He copes by keeping to himself.” 

That didn’t sound like a very helpful way to cope but I kept that thought to myself.

Sitting, I look down at the crew. They were so small and tiny. I spot the Captain below by his bright blond hair and laugh as one of the crew slam into him. Captain was very young to have his own ship. I wonder what he went through to get it? 

I look over at Eddy. “Where are you from? You have a girl back home?” Eddy shakes his head. “Haven’t been on land long enough for that. Wish I did though I definitely get lonely sometimes.” I peer at Eddy from the corner of my eye. He was picking at the threads on his shirt. 

“I have a girl,” Isaac say’s, “I write to her at every port. I am just trying to make enough money to buy my own land and then I am going to marry her.”