Troianne (Book 1 of A Time Travel Society Novel Series)

Chapter 32 - Seeking Shelter

Copyright: CLG March 2013

Chapter 32

Seeking Shelter From The Storm

Duncan, Troianne and Diana boarded the ship bound for England, they waited at the docks as long as they could for Becker, he had not shown up yet. The ship's captain had already boarded and all the passengers were expected to do the same. The little family trio were delaying their boarding as long as they could by moving to the back of the line of passengers every time a new one would come up to board. They knew they could not wait much longer. Troianne wondered why Becker had not connected with Diana telling her where on earth he was. Was he too far away for the connection? Surely not, as far as she could tell there where no bounds or limits to mind-speak. So where was he? The question remained until they finally were forced to board the ship as the last passengers.

Meanwhile Becker rode hell bent for leather back to Versailles from Giverney. An hour later he jumped off his horse and ran to the hotel room they had recently vacated and found Duncan's note. He ran as fast as he could, coattails flying, jumped back on his horse who had remained diligently outside the hotels doors. Riding through the city streets was a feat in itself with Becker having to dodge carriages, wagons, pedestrians and the like. He finally made it to the dock as the ships sails were raised for departure. Jumping of the horse for the last time Becker ran for the ship, the boarding ramp had already been taken up and there was no way for Becker to get on the ship. Until he spotted Troianne holding Diana on the deck of the ship. In the blink of an eye Becker lifted his arms to heaven and disappeared from the dock. In the next blink he was standing directly in front of Troianne, Duncan and Diana. Startling them all.

Troianne was fit to be tied and let Becker have it in the arm with a balled up fist.

"Oh you insufferable man, where the hell have you been?" She screamed, drawing everyone's attention.

Pulling both Troianne and Duncan roughly by the arms Duncan moved them to near the back of the deck. "What in God's name is going on here Becker, where the hell have you been? We waited forever for you to come back." Seeing the anger flash in Duncans eyes, made Becker mad. Pulling his arm from Dincans grasp, "I have been searching for a safe place for the lot of you, ya damn fool!" Well that kind of put Duncan and Troianne in their place but the matter of almost missing the boat was on all of their minds.

Troianne calming a fussing Diana, placed her in Duncan's arms and looked straight in Becker's eyes. "It is glad I am that you are safe, now tell me, whom did you speak of when you said the help of an Angel was needed."

Just as she says this the ship is underway. They all look out to sea, the voyage should be smooth back to England.

Becker answers her question.

"I cannot divulge that information to you Troi, I just can't. However I can tell you that as soon as you two, (he points to Duncan) are married at Cusworth, you will have to leave."

"Leave? Bloody Hell we will Becker," Duncan speaks up.

"Listen you nutter, in order to keep our daughter safe, you will do as I say and like it!"

Duncan practically tosses Diana back to Troianne and grabs the lapels of Becker's coat.

Becker pushes Duncan's hands away. "Touch me again and I will take my child and you shall never see her again!"

Troianne burst into tears, both men look toward her and melt at the sight of her tears.

"Now see what you have done Lord Love, you have upset my betrothed. I demand an apology."

Becker walks to Troianne and touches her cheek tenderly. "Troi, I apologize, I never want to hurt you. I will never take Diana from you for any reason. She is our gift from God and deserves a better life than what I can give her."

"Then do not threaten me Becker, never threaten me again."

Patting the bottom of his Daughter underneath her mothers arm. Becker looks into Diana's face and sees that she is angry and gives him a smirk.

"Ah I see a little spitfire like your mother huh?" he bends to kiss her ebony head.

"I shall remember not to threaten your momma again milady."

She coo's her acceptance of his apology and sticks her thumb in her mouth.

"Lord help us all," Duncan says laughing.

"Indeed Becker says, Indeed."

With that they go below deck to get comfortable for the voyage home.

Three hours into the ship making its way back to the Port of England a storm came on quickly and violently. The ship started to rock and thrash about in the waves. Shouts were heard from the crew above deck and items could be heard crashing to the floors all around. Becker has already retired to a separate bunk as well as Duncan. However, Troianne and Diana are in a bunk all their own.

As the ship rocks and sways, the passengers start to scream and fall out of their bunks. People are running about grabbing anything they can hold onto securing themselves to the ships interior. Just as Troianne was binding Diana to herself with a piece of cloth to keep her stable and safe Duncan and Becker make their way to her swaying with the rocking of the ship. "We must hang on tight, its going to be a long night," Duncan yells over the noise. Becker helps Troianne secure Diana in the makeshift sling. Then all of a sudden the thunder rolls deep and the lightening strikes the mainsail, the ship is tossed on her side. Duncan, Becker and Troianne fall sideways. Troianne landing on the side opposite of the side she has tied Diana to herself.

They can now hear the Captain scream, "Every man for himself. Lord save you all!" The screams of women and children can also be heard as everyone below deck, rivals for footing up the sideways stairs of the now sinking ship. Water is quickly seeping into the flooring and walls. There is no time for anything. Becker makes a snap decision, he knows Troianne is going to kill him if they survive, but it is the only thing he knows that will insure their safety from this storm and possibly from the evil that seeks his daughter.

Transport them to a place that Troianne knows well and the demons may not be aware exists.

Troianne held on tight to Diana and Duncan held on tight to her, Becker wrapped his arms around them all and with a final crash, they were all catapulted into a swirling abyss. Round and round as if in a dark swirling vortex they swirled until each of the thought they would be sick, then came a pop and a thump. They all landed on a hard yet cushioned surface.