The Nature of the Beast

Chapter 10

Despite the crews growing tension, Enid and Nikola spent their days running free.  Oblivious to the strain the hot, motionless days were taking on the crew, they revelled in their free time together. Chasing each other across the ship, Enid loved taunting Nikola to catch her. Squealing in delight as he missed her again, she wasn't watching where she was going and tripped over a mop left laying on the ground. She went sprawling across the deck, skinning her hands in the process. Nikola rushed to her side and she blushed at her clumsiness.

"You're hurt."

"It's just a small scrape."

Nikola turned and looked at the young boy who was retrieving the mop and bucket.

"Ja ebe lazi lebo ja tebe," he lowered his eyes at the boy, angry.

The boy cringed, looking crushed.

"What did you say to him? It was an accident."

"I told her to stop being so lazy, in a matter of words. The literal translation is 'lie down bread so I can eat you'."

Enid laughed and the boy glared at her as he continued mopping.

"Wait, you said her?"

"Senka, the girl I told you about."

Enid took a second look. She had seen the boy around before but never realised he was a she. Her hair was short and severe and she skulked around with the mop and bucket, head down, speaking to no one. She wore pants and a vest over her linen shirt; perhaps if she were wearing a dress Enid would have noticed her. As she stared, she thought she could see the shadow of breasts beneath her vest.

"Why is she dressed that way?"

"Her Da, he doesn't want anyone looking at her the way they look at you," Nikola said, a wry smile on his face.

#

Enid noticed her all the time now. Senka slunk along the edges of the ship, rarely looking up from the floor unless Nikola or Vestal were near. Her eyes followed them everywhere. How had she not noticed her before? She asked Nikola if they could meet, properly. He shrugged and said she was still only allowed out to clean, and lately help in the kitchen. She was to stay in her cabin otherwise. She was a timid girl and she only spoke to Vestal or her father. Enid smiled up at him, they were sitting at the front of the ship holding hands and she shook her head.

"What?" he asked

"I think she fancies you, she can't tear her eyes away from you."

Enid thought it was a shame, it would be nice to have a female friend her age, especially if she meant to stay. She was learning so much from Vestal and her sea legs were getting strong. She was beginning to desire a new future for herself, one with a loving, loyal family.

A shout came from below deck. She and Nikola ran to the side to see what the commotion was. As she looked, she saw two men hauling another sailor down below. His clothing was soaked and there was vomit covering his shirt. Enid groaned. This was the third sailor today. She ran down to the sick room to help Vestal.

"Good, you're here. Grab the rags and Nikola, grab me a few buckets of water. These men are burning up."

Enid, Nikola and Vestal worked through the night. They alternated between holding the heads of the men while they vomited and covering them in cold clothes. They coaxed them to drink a little between the retching. By dawn Enid was wobbling on her feet. Vestal noticed her teetering and told Nikola to take her to his old cabin and put her to bed. She would have two of the healthy sailors come down to see to the men while they all got a few hours rest.