As Elizabeth's father sailed away, disappearing across the horizon she couldn't help but feel like she would never see him again.The captain had seemed to her like a very smart man but Where had her father gone? Had he dropped off the earth? Was he dead all ready? Those were all questions that nobody could answer.
As she walked off the dock onto the gravel street she began to cry. Maybe I will never see my father again, she thought. Her mother stayed on the dock wailing as if she had already heard of his death.
"Hopefully he will bring us back gold", her older brother Alexander said kicking the gravel as he walked towards town.
"Maybe he will", their mother said composing herself.
They headed off towards their house praying in their heads that they would see their father again. Praying that God would keep him safe and that someday he would return with gold and spices and that he would become a rich man.
"Children, your father left you with a few small gifts. To keep you company while he is away.", their mother explained taking out a small piece of parchment out of her dress pocket. "To my eldest daughter Maribeth Willow Gates , I leave you my silver dagger to protect you on your journey through life. Alexander James Gates III I leave you my horse so even in war you will always have the upper hand. Elizabeth Annabella Gates I leave you my bible so you may pray for your people when they are in need. William"
"This sounds like a bloody will! Did he expect to die on that god for sake'n ship with his fellow cremates!" Maribeth screamed.
" Let mum finish! You're lucky he left you with anything at all!", Alexander yelled frustrated.
" To William Christopher Gates I leave you my sword so when the family depends on you, you can defend them against the dark and dangerous. And to my unborn child, whatever you shall be named I give you wither boy or girl I leave you my golden compass to lead you the way when your in need."
