Blue Strawberry

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The sun had started to break through the rain clouds and a rainbow mysteriously emerged above us in the sky.  I could see a ship appear on the horizon through the battling rain

“Is that the Ark?” I questioned as I hear Hog snoring next to me “Wake up, is that the Ark?” I repeat as I prod Hog in the side of his pot belly

“What, enemies!” Murmurs Hog as he quickly jumps up drowsily

“Not enemies, I asked is that the Ark?” I repeat again as I stand up next to him

“What did I say about the Ark?” questions Hog as he looks out to sea and spots the rainbow

“Um,” I try to recall “That’s it’s the only remaining ship left on the sea.”

“So” Utters Hog through the pelting rain

“It must be the Ark.”” I conclude with a smile on my face

 “Good, you’ve learning something.” Smirks Hog from under his hood

“So where is it going to take us?” I ask wondering if somehow the half frog has already told me this

“To the floating city, so we can meet with Mr Tattershall” informs Hog

“We are going to meet Mr Tattershall.” I reply somehow overlooking the bit about the floating city

“Yeah, he will be waiting for us in the city, he’s the only one who knows how to put out the storm.” Informs Hog as the Ark pulls into the dock.

“Ahoy ship mates.” Is shouted from the deck as a fish faced creatures throws down a rope with his pincer like hands

“Good day to you, Fishclaw.” Shouts up Hog as he ties the rope around the moorings

“It’s not been a good day for a while round here, Hog, the currents have been pulling us this way and that the winds are swirling like I’ve never seen before.” Replies Fishclaw as he peers over the galley “Let me get the plank down for you, so you can come aboard.”

“Do you think they will have any dry clothes on board?” I ask as my pyjamas squelch every time I move but surprisingly I don’t seem to have developed a cold yet.

“No, you should have worn a coat?” mentions Hog as he zips his jacket up further almost to his snout

“Well I don’t normally go to bed in a coat, do I” I miserably reply as Fishclaw puts the plank in place

“All aboard.” Shouts a strangely familiar voice from on board the galley

Hog and I make our way up the plank and on to the deck of the wooden and battered ship.

“Dad” I shout uncontrollably at the man standing waiting to greet us. He had the same face as my dad, but had a dirty coloured eye patch covering his left eye. His hair was the same dark brown colour, but was longer, soaked and windswept by the storm, his sailors clothes were dirtied blue and white, torn and frayed. But under all that unkempt mess it was defiantly my Dad.

“Who, did you say boy?” questioned the sailor puzzled by my outburst

“Nothing” I replied quickly realising that he didn’t seem to recognise me

“I’m Captain Riggings, the courier of the high seas. I take passengers and cargo to their required destination.” Announced the Captain “And this is my trusty ship mate, Fishclaw, half fish, half crab. His mother was the crab and his father was a Fish, or is it the other way around?” He asked Fishclaw wondering if he was correct.

“Yes, that’s right, my mum was a rather large Hermit Crab she came to a rather unfortunate end when she grew too big for her shell.” Confirms Fishclaw shaking his head and gills in dismay

“Great, so courier us away to the floating city, Captain.” Orders Hog as Fishclaw jumps down gracefully on to the harbour and starts untying the moorings.

“Ah, there have been a few new developments in the floating city since we last left its port.” Mentions Captain Riggings timidly

“What sort of developments.” Queries Hog while scratching his snout

“The Ark is banished from returning to the city. The gates to the capital have been closed. No, one can enter or exit the floating city, by order of the Supreme Being” Informs the Captain shaking water from his ear

“They know Tattershall, got someone to eat a blue strawberry.” Interjects Fishclaw as he returns on deck from untying the moorings and pulling up the plank

“Mr Tattershall has had to go into hiding to avoid capture.”  Remarks Captain Riggings

“The Supreme Being burnt down the Orchard in a rage and destroyed all the remaining blue strawberries, the Strawberry Farmer couldn’t stop crying over her poor trees.” Explains Fishclaw as he makes his way to the helm of the ship

“So now what” I ask rain soaked on the galley deck

“Don’t worry we will find a way into the Floating City.” Responds Hog as he stares at me from under his hood

“Yes, of course we will, we have the Blue Strawberry Hero with us.” Chuckles Captain Riggings as he grabs me by the shoulder

“And we will find Mr Tattershall.” Assures Hog

“Full speed ahead Claw.” Bellows the Captain as we set sail towards the rainbow ahead