The World Duology (World Odyssey / Fiji: A Novel) (32 page)

6

A
rare storm was threatening as the
Rendezvous
sailed north along Viti Levu’s western shoreline toward Momi Bay. Rare because this was the dry side of the island where the climate was usually hot and the sun scorched all before it—unlike the soggy eastern side whose rainfall regularly topped one hundred inches a year. Even so, the archipelago was officially entering its wet season, so the odd storm or tropical cyclone could be expected even here in the west.

On the schooner’s deck, Lightning Rod jumped when a clap of thunder boomed out. He ran below deck, almost colliding with Nathan, who was venturing outside at that very moment, drawn by the growing din of waves crashing on the reef.

“Careful, Rod!” Nathan cautioned.

The simpleton wasn’t stopping. He always shot below deck at the first sign of a storm.

Nathan strolled to the bow just as the
Rendezvous
entered the narrow passageway that would take it through the reef and deliver it safely into Momi Bay. Aware that reefs were the main cause of shipwrecks in these waters, he found he was holding his breath as the
Rendezvous
negotiated a gap that seemed barely wider than the vessel. The noise of waves smashing against the reef was deafening.

In no time, the schooner was through the reef and into calmer waters. Nathan breathed a sigh of relief.

Sailing into Momi Bay, a village came into view directly ahead. Nathan guessed it was home to the tribe he’d come to do business with. He noted it was located atop a distinctive headland at the northern end of the bay.

A long, sandy beach extended for some distance from the village. Halfway along the beach, a pile of rocks rose straight up out of the sand, like some crude memorial. Nathan had
no way of knowing he was looking at the very spot where Rambuka, the Outcast, had abducted Sina from. The rock pile was a memorial. It had been erected in Sina’s honor by her grief-stricken lover, Waisale, who even now, three months after the event, spent most of his time searching the highlands of the interior for his beloved.

The distant beating of drums announced the
Rendezvous’
s arrival in the bay. The drums could only just be heard above the sound of the crashing waves.

“Quite a sight, ain’t it?”

Nathan turned to see he’d been joined by Foley. “Sure is,” the American agreed.

Pointing at the village, Foley shouted, “That’s the village of the Qopa.”

Studying the village, Nathan could see the Qopa were going about their everyday lives. Like the Fijians back at Levuka, these people, with their distinctive frizzy hair, were impressive specimens and appeared to be even more warlike than their eastern cousins. The men carried clubs or spears, and armed lookouts were in evidence, guarding all approaches to the village.

Nathan turned to Foley. “Are they expecting trouble?”

“They’re always expecting trouble,” the Irishman chuckled. “These people are constantly at war with someone.”

Nathan studied the warriors’ weapons. He was relieved to see there wasn’t a musket in sight. That augured well for what he had in mind.

The Drakes emerged from below deck, anxious to see the place that was soon to become their new home. Excited, they hurried to the near rail to take in the view. Neither acknowledged Nathan even though he was standing only a few feet away.

Drake Senior pointed to the Wesley Mission Station. Nathan noticed it for the first time. Comprised of a modest house and separate chapel, it enjoyed splendid sea views and was located a couple of hundred yards from the village—just short of the rock memorial.
Laughing children were playing inside the white picket fence that surrounded the station.

No sooner had the schooner anchored than a canoe laden with fresh fish and other trade items approached from shore. Qopa villagers maneuvered the canoe alongside the
Rendezvous.
A sailor threw a rope ladder over the schooner’s side, and in no time a dozen smiling, half-naked men and women were scrambling aboard, carrying their trade items with them. Crew members took special note of the women, several of whom were very pleasing on the eye.

Nathan couldn’t help noticing how lax security was aboard the
Rendezvous
compared to other vessels he’d sailed on. He just hoped the captain knew what he was about.

The other thing he noticed was the amazing hairstyles some of the Qopa men sported. He’d seen similar styles worn by the warriors back in Levuka, but seeing them up close and personal like this was something else. He smiled at the sight of one particularly short individual who had such a mass of hair atop his head that it gave the illusion he consisted solely of a pair of bare legs protruding from beneath a giant puffball. A younger man’s hair was streaked with almost every color of the rainbow.

Bartering began immediately. Tomahawks, tools, and blankets were traded for fresh fish, yams, and coconuts. One enterprising sailor traded a large piece of bright yellow cloth for some quiet time with a curvy maiden. His crewmates jeered and whistled as he escorted her below deck.

The Drakes looked on disapprovingly. Drake Senior complained to McTavish, claiming the sailor’s behavior set a bad precedent, but the captain could see no harm in his crewman’s actions, and he assured the missionary the precedent for such conduct had been set long ago.

Susannah surreptitiously studied Nathan, who was standing alone toward the stern. The American looked so strong and virile. As much as she despised what he stood for, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. His form drew her to him like a magnet. She adored everything about his looks—the waviness of his long, dark hair, his tanned skin, and his handsome face, but most of all it was his startling blue eyes that aroused her the most. Susannah inwardly chided God for putting such a perfect specimen of a man right in front of her. She knew nothing could ever happen between them, but that didn’t make things any easier. In fact, it made things harder.

Nathan finally noticed Susannah staring at him. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away.

A short time later, giggling alerted those on deck to the return of the maiden and the sailor who had traded cloth for time alone with her. They were hand in hand and she was proudly wearing her newly acquired yellow cloth as a shawl. The pair were greeted with loud guffaws from the other sailors. Only the Drakes seemed unamused.

When the trading finally ran its course aboard the
Rendezvous,
the villagers began returning to the waiting canoe that would take them and their new possessions back to shore.

# 

Nathan watched as the schooner’s longboat was lowered over the side in readiness for the Drakes, who, like him, were preparing to go ashore. He then assisted crewmen to lower the couple’s luggage and possessions, and his own carry-bag, into the longboat before climbing down a rope ladder to take his place in the craft. Not one to take unnecessary chances, he carried a musket over one shoulder and wore a pistol tucked into his belt.

Below deck, the Drakes were gathering the last of their belongings. Both were feeling relieved and excited to have reached their final destination. Drake Senior watched his daughter proudly as she collected her things. Over the past six months, she’d proven herself a woman to be reckoned with, surviving a journey that had tested the most adventurous of men. Yet still he worried about her.

Susannah noticed the concern on his face. “What is it, Papa?” she asked.

Drake Senior stood before Susannah and grasped her by both shoulders. “My dear, are you sure this is what you really want?”

Susannah knew, as well as fearing for her safety, her father worried that this was not the life she’d have voluntarily chosen for herself. She desperately wanted to say something that would satisfy him, but couldn’t find the right words.
Is this really the life I want?
she asked herself. Susannah knew it probably wasn’t. Smiling brightly, she said, “Don’t worry about me, Papa. I am happy being with you.”

Drake Senior hugged her affectionately. “If only your mother could see you now,” he murmured. The thought of her dear mother almost brought a tear to Susannah’s eye. Drake Senior finally released her and, forcing an optimistic smile, said, “Onwards and upwards, my dear. The Qopa of Momi Bay
are waiting to be educated in the ways of the Lord!” Without further ado, he led the way up to the deck where they found McTavish and Foley waiting for them.

“All set?” the captain asked.

“We are indeed, captain,” Drake Senior said.

“Very good, the longboat is waiting.” McTavish led them to the rope ladder and motioned to two sailors to assist the Drakes.

As the pair began climbing down into the longboat, Susannah was annoyed to see Nathan waiting in the craft. She’d hoped she wouldn’t have to be around him much longer for the temptation was becoming too great. In no time, the missionaries found themselves safely seated opposite the American.

Susannah looked disapprovingly at the musket resting next to Nathan. When she noticed the pistol tucked into his belt, she felt she had to say something. “Are those really necessary, Mr. Johnson?” she asked, staring pointedly at the weapons.

“I’d say so, ma’am, considering we are so far from civilization,” Nathan replied.

Voices from above distracted them. They looked up to see McTavish, Foley, and Lightning Rod staring down at them from the schooner’s rail.

McTavish called down to the Drakes, saying, “I wish you both luck at the mission.”

“Thank you, captain,” Drake Senior responded.

McTavish looked at Nathan. “We sail at first light tomorrow, Mr. Johnson. You have until then to finish your business.”

“That will be plenty of time,” Nathan assured him.

Lightning Rod waved at the American. “Goodbye, Nathan. Have a nice life!”

“It’s not goodbye, Rod. I’ll be returning to the ship tonight.”

“Goodbye, Miss Drake,” Lightning Rod called to Susannah. “Watch out for them savages.”

Foley clipped Lightning Rod over the ear as if to knock some sense into him. The simpleton burst into tears. Immediately regretting his actions, Foley ruffled his crewmate’s unruly hair. Placated, Lightning Rod stopped blubbering and beamed a huge smile. He and Foley then waved cheerfully to Susannah and the others below.

The oarsmen pushed off and began rowing toward shore. As they rowed, Nathan found himself staring at Susannah yet again. She avoided his eyes, preferring to study the shore.

Drake Senior was more displeased than ever at the interest Nathan was taking in his daughter. Determined to take every opportunity to make it clear he disapproved of Nathan and his kind, he said, “You know, I think the Fijians have more to fear from
we Europeans than we do from them.”

Sensing he was about to receive another lecture, Nathan cautiously asked, “Oh, why is that, Reverend?”

“As has happened everywhere else Britain and America have ventured, we seem intent on plundering the indigenous natives’ bounty and dispossessing them of their valuable resources.” Nathan had heard this view point many times before. He was about to respond when Drake Senior continued, “First there was James Cook and the other explorers who took the Fijians’ hospitality and accepted the sexual favors of the women, in return for what?” The missionary answered his own question. “For syphilis and other deadly diseases.”

“I’m sure Mr. Johnson has heard this before, Father,” Susannah interrupted.

Ignoring his daughter, Drake Senior said, “Then came the whalers and sealers, plundering the ocean of its animal life and depriving the Fijians of a valuable food source. And then came the traders who felled the mighty forests of sandalwood that once covered these islands.” Drake Senior eyed Nathan accusingly. “And now come men like you, intent on trading muskets to these people. And for what? Sea slugs!”

The missionary was getting himself worked up. He was only too aware that the impact of Europeans on Fiji had been enormous: the white invaders had imposed and were continuing to impose their greed, depravities, and diseases on indigenous Fijians. He asked, “What price a human life, Mr. Johnson?”

“From what I know of these people, Reverend Drake, we Europeans are their best chance of survival, or of becoming civilized at least,” Nathan countered. “They were intent on wiping each other out. Cannibalism was, or still is, rife, so maybe the white man has something to offer them.”

Drake Senior was about to respond when Susannah placed her hand on his arm. She shook her head, indicating he should remain silent. To Nathan’s relief, Drake Senior took his daughter’s advice.

As the longboat neared shore, the passengers turned their attention to the mission station. Its tiny chapel and adjoining European style dwelling were now clearly visible.

Determined not to part from the Drakes on bad terms, Nathan looked at Drake Senior and asked, “What success do you think you will have converting these people, Reverend?”

“My understanding is the natives here are hungry for the Word of God,” Drake Senior pontificated.

Susannah added, “Our task has been made easier by the Smiths. They set the mission post up a few years ago.”