Jacquotte

Chapter 7

   Her cabin was tiny, just enough space for a hammock and maybe three square feet in walking space, but there was a tiny window looking out over the water. Also, this was the first time she had had her own space, so that was a positive. Jacquotte stuffed her rucksack beneath the hammock, and buckled down for a long journey.

   The weather ended up being quite calm, and they reached London a bit sooner than expected. Captain Colson bade her leave after all the crew had departed, in the evening. He didn't spare any concern for the girl after she disappeared from sight.

"Good riddance," he muttered under his breath.

   Jacquotte soon realized that London was a lot bigger than she had imagined. There was so many people! She walked down the street, exulting in the senses of complete freedom and adventure. As dark began to fall, however, she realized that she would need a place to sleep. Luckily, there was an inn down the street. She hurried in, and walked up to the front desk. There was a matron-like woman standing there, who gave the girl a concerned look after noticing Jacquotte's protruding stomach.

"Wot are ye doin' 'ere, girl? Surely ye have family who's lookin' fer ye."

Jacquotte shook her head.

"No, ma'am, I'm alone. I would like a room for tonight, please."

The woman gave her a searching, suspicious look, but gave in with a sigh.

"A'right, but if'n the constables come lookin' fer ye I'm not hidin' ye. Its two pence fer the room and another fer food."

   Jacquotte paid the woman for a room and food. She was given a bowl of stew, which she finished in a matter of minutes. Exhausted, she made her way up a set of creaking stairs and down a dimly lit hallway to her room. She collapsed on the rickety-looking bed falling asleep nearly instantly.

   She was awoken the next morning by footsteps thumping down the hallway outside of her room. Jacquotte only had to pick up her rucksack, she hadn't unpacked anything the night before. Walking down a busy street, she became aware of the many dangers of a big city. Chamber pots poured from above, pickpockets, horses, rude people who shoved, it was chaotic! Jacquotte couldn't help but compare Cayona to London. They were similar in some ways, but they were mostly different.