Zealand

A bastard by birth and orphaned at twelve, Charles has learnt to fend for himself in 1660s London. Homeless, he seeks shelter for the night in some canvas aboard a barge on the Thames. In the morning, he tumbles awake when the sail is hoisted, and the captain presses him to work as they move away from the wharf. Trapped, he sees no option but to follow orders.

Captain Bryson likes his sharp mind and eagerness, and he offers him a job aboard with food and shelter. Charles wonders how he'll be able to repay this kindness, and he strives to do his best, lest he be set ashore, again homeless.

Charles drives himself to learn and gain experience and to remain in the captain's favour as their adventure grows far beyond the barge, but his insecurity continues surfacing. What will it take to give him the confidence his natural abilities deserve?

Written for ONC 2021, this story was selected for the Shortlist. I'm now expanding it into a full-length novel to serve as either the third volume of the Wattpad-featured Zeelandia story or as a prequel to it.