The Fourth Man

Washed On Other Shores

Washed On Other Shores

Thomas Frain had quickly stepped out of the factory to avoid detection, then had ran at a steady pace to the harbour. It would be almost impossible to try and stow away on a boat, so Thomas sat, out of sight, and tried to formulate a plan.

The only conclusion that he could come to was that he would have to impersonate a sailor, which would be very difficult. He had his back against the rough wood of the Sailor's House; the room where Sailor's changed and talked when they docked here with their ships. Thomas's best bet at finding a Sailor uniform and getting aboard a ship to Fontaine Island would be in there.

At current there were no voices or movement sounding from inside the House, so Thomas crept round the other side to peer in. He cursed as he tried the door, to find it locked. But soon enough a Sailor came in view across the harbour, so Thomas hid as the Sailor produced a key and entered the House.

Now would be Thomas's best chance, the Sailor would just lock up again when he was done. Darting in behind the Sailor he immediately through himself behind a coat rack, obscured by the range of heavy-weather jackets.

The Sailor turned and looked, but dismissed any sounds he had heard and carried on. He picked up a map and a chart from a bench, and took a cigarette from another Sailor's shirt, and lit it up as he walked back out and locked the door.

Firstly Thomas flicked on the lights; it was damp and still dark, the naked low-wattage bulb offered little visibility. Lots of maps, charts, and some personal effects were scattered across the room, and unfortunately no one set uniform lying anywhere.

Thomas pieced together a clean looking uniform from different parts of the House, doing the best with what he could salvage. As he began to climb into the oversized trousers a key rattled in the lock.

Thomas hurried into an alcove, where he still tried to pull the uniform on. The door opened and an old bearded man stepped inside. He had a blue blazer on and a White cap, with the emblem of Farland on. This meant he was the captain; as this was the specific captain attire for all Farland Vessels.

The Captain deposited something at the far end of the room, then turned to leave when he heard Thomas shuffling in the alcove.

"Who's that there?" he boomed, and Thomas edged out, now having donned the oversized uniform.

"And you are?" the Captain asked

"Thomas sir, Thomas Butkins," he lied, Butkins springing to mind as it was his mothers maiden name.

"Well Butkins what are you doing in the Sailors House?"

"I'm new, and they haven't ordered a uniform to fit."

"I can see that, what ship do you sail with?"

"I can't remember the name, but it was to Fontaine Island."

"Then you're with me," he beamed "my ship - The Sternbound - is the only ship here docked set for Fontaine Island until the Agressor arrives just after noon."

"When do we leave, sir?" Thomas asked sheepishly

"Promptly," the Captain replied "So get yourself ship-shape," he chuckled to himself, "and no slacking, I like had workers."

"Yes, sir."

"And no 'sir'ing me, I'm Captain Braithwate to you know."

"Yes captain."

"Well hurry up Butkins, tie that belt around you," he threw him a black leather belt from where he was standing "and get yourself onboard."

The Sternbound was a small ship designed really to transport small supplies from Farland to the other two islands. Thomas was kept busy; sweeping the deck and tidying the below deck storage area.

The trip didn't take to long and soon Fontaine Island was in sight, then the docks reared up and the boat moored in safely. Thomas was just about to jump off the boat when Braithewaite called Hume back.

"Butkins," he called from across the deck. Thomas jogged over. As soon as he passed the cabin two large and burly Sailors stepped out and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck.

"You," the Captain spat "Aren't on the Sailor's list, you aren't even a sailor. You're a dishonest and selfish little boy." Thomas's mouth suddenly went dry.

"And no dirty imposter gets away with sneaking onto my boat," the Captain nodded to one of the sailors who crashed a fist onto the back of Thomas's head, knocking him out instantly.

"Where shall we put him Captain?" one of the sailors grunted

"Leave him on this stupid excuse of an island."

"Where? In the docks?"

"No," a smile came over the Captain's face "Leave him under the dense fog of The Beach."