A Wee Outlander FanFic

Chapter 1

 The ship I was soon to board seemed fascinating. It was the largest of the ships that laid about the harbor of Philadelphia. A rather glorious sight to see, which was the most likely reason the ship was called the Gloriana. It was to dock in Scotland in a mere month or so, but right now it was docked in the New World.

I could not decipher whether or not leaving my home here would be beneficial in the end. King George most likely had as many troops in the colonies as he did in Scotland, and I know my father wanting to move back to Scotland had to be politically motivated. He had to flee the country during the rising of '45 because he was wanted for the murder of a redcoat. Then he moved to the colonies where he met my mother, who was an immigrant from Ireland. They married soon after meeting, and then my mother had me then my sister. After I turned fifteen and she five, my mother contracted influenza and died. In the time after, my father's primary focus was to return to Scotland and free the country of British control with the support of his old clansmen, the Mackenzies. This would of course end in disaster, like the previous rising. After the Battle of Culloden, the culture of my father's country was destroyed, and the result of another rebellion could only be worse.

As for my purpose in going to the Old World, I do not know yet. It would be only necessary that I found a husband while there. I had tried to find a suitor before leaving Philadelphia, but I had not the time to do so. My father adamantly informed us that we were to move in a week after he told us of the move. Seeing as I had no choice but to leave, I am viewing this move as an opportunity for greatness, though I doubt it will be that at all.

I wish I was more like my sister. Tara viewed all things in her life as opportunities, which is what I am trying to do with our move. For an eight year old, her views upon life entertained me. She always looked on the bright side of things and always questioned everything that came her way. She seemed to want to learn as much as possible. Hence, why she was so excited to leave the new world behind. She believed that by moving, she would be able to learn more about the world around her. I often question if I was that charismatic when I was a child, but I have always tended to accept things for as they were. I never wanted to see the world, nor did I question anything.

"Are you excited Peggy? I certainly am. The days at sea shall be an adventure as well, Peggy. I certainly hope we see a mermaid!" Tara exclaimed as she hopped about the dock on the way to the ship.

"I suppose so sister. You best be careful around the dock, you may slip and fall into the ocean. And my dear Tara, you have yet to learn to swim."I expressed in a reprimanding tone, then sarcastically muttering, "I wouldn't want the water to engulf you because despite how much I love you, this is my favorite dress, and I would not jump in to save you."

Tara crossed her arms,"Peggy, that's not very funny!" I chuckled and placed my arm across her. "Sister, I am only messing with you. Now we must hurry, for our father is already on the ship. He may be off to Scotland and we would still be here." I gave a brisk smile, but I could see in Tara's eyes that she knew I supported the notion. "Peggy," she smiled, "You will like it in Scotland! I am sure of it."

My little sister was not acknowledged on the recent history of the country, nor our fathers' motives in returning home, as well as the fact that he is still a wanted murderer. Our father was also unaware that I knew about his past. Whilst I was caring for our mother during her illness, she told me of what he did, what he was, why he had fled to the colonies. I did not know why she had told me of this. Originally I thought she just needed something to talk about other than her suffering, but now that we are going to Scotland, I can only assume she told me this to stop us from moving there. I decided however, that even if I could convince him not to go, I would not. At least my father would have a purpose in life, now that his wife is gone.

"Well here we are Tara! Let us start our adventure!"Tara's eyes widened in excitement as she smiled from ear to ear. I nervously sighed.

The both of us stepped to the edge of the dock where the barge that would take us to the Gloriana was. "Miss, would you like some assistance?" Asked a crew member of the ship we were soon to board.

"Yes that would be desired sir," I smiled as he put a hand out. I then stepped onto the barge. The man then looked at my sister and extended the offer to her. "Thank you sir!" Her being so little however, he could not just lead her onto the boat, so instead he picked her up, and sat her down in the boat. "There you go lass."

By his accent, I could tell the man was Irish. He had a tall stature and a barrel chest. This was a man of power, that much was evident. He was peculiarly charming, but also seemed untrustworthy. By the way he glared at me, I could tell he attracted women easily.

The barge began to move towards the Gloriana. "It's captain." The man said looking me in the eye. "I'm sorry?" I was not sure what the man was referring to.

"I'm the captain of the Gloriana. The names' Bonnet." There was a slight arrogance in his tone. "My apologies, Captain Bonnet." I gave a quick smile. I was careful not to give the captain my name. I did not trust him. His essence seemed reckless, and I need not put myself in any situation that involves him.

Moments later the rowboat arrived at the ship and its passengers ascended onto it. I put the captain out of my mind because my new focus was to find our father.

He was in the area in which the passengers resided. Beside him were two small cots, and below them were three trunks that held our possessions. The wood creaked as Tara and I walked over to him.

"Good morning girls. This is where we will be sleeping while we are here." Our father gestured towards the two cots. I was amused at the fact that Tara and I would have to sleep together on the cot. They were quite small, but I suppose that there was limited space on the ship, and we would eventually find a way to both sleep comfortably. "Father guess what!" Our father looked at Tara. "On the way here we met the captain!"

"Well is that not exciting?" He responded enthusiastically. He clearly did not care, but he had no intent on breaking her spirit. "Peggy have you seen my compass by any chance. I laid it down on your trunk when I first arrived and now I cannot seem to find it."

"No father I have not." I looked around trying to see if it was hiding in plain site. "I'm sure it will turn up." I then moved closely to him and whispered, "unless one of the other passengers found it first." I glared at the wretched people in our area. They all seemed to be filthy and tumultuous. No one seemed like they would just come up and steal though. Their items were laid about as much as ours were. If they stole, they would also be stolen from. I did not suppose that would be smart for either side, especially since our small quarters would not make hiding items easy.

"The ship is leaving port!" Shouted a woman standing in the doorway. "And so is the life I know," I muttered quietly to myself.