Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein

Author:Lisa Klein
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Fiction, Great Britain, 1558-1603, General, Walter, Europe, Roanoke Colony, Roanoke Island (N.C.) - History - 16th century, Juvenile Fiction, Love & Romance, Orphans, Orphans & Foster Homes, United States, Raleigh, Historical, People & Places, Native American, Elizabeth, Family, Indians of North America, Roanoke Island (N.C.), Lumbee Indians, North Carolina, Great Britain - History - Elizabeth, Colonial & Revolutionary Periods, Indians of North America - North Carolina
ISBN: 9781599905075
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Published: 2010-10-11T10:00:00+00:00

Chapter 23

A Sudden Departure

A month had passed, then five weeks, and Simon Fernandes still had not left Hatorask. The Lion, though anchored out of sight, cast an invisible shadow over the colony. In the hands of the mutinous pilot, the ship was a sign of John White’s failure. It reminded us we had not reached our destination of Chesapeake, and getting there was now beyond our means. Yet while the ship stayed, there was the possibility of escaping the strangeness, hardship, and danger of the New World and returning to what was familiar. Once she sailed, we would be truly alone. And it would no longer be possible to send a letter to Sir Walter.

I still had written no reply to the letter I received aboard the Lion. Now I had little time for shaping fine phrases to convey feelings I was not even sure of. I still yearned for him, so I believed. Maybe I only yearned for what was familiar and comfortable simply because it was now lost to me. My thoughts were too confused for words. However, I did write to Emme that I was well, leaving unsaid almost everything that mattered in this new place, because it was simply too much for a single letter. I gave the letter to the boatswain, who promised to deliver it when he reached London.

Fernandes may have been ready to sail away in pursuit of treasure, but both the Lion and the flyboat required caulking and repairs. Fernandes also needed wood for fuel and fresh water for the return voyage. But John White would not allow his men to assist the pilot, and the seamen were not welcome at the fort. Whenever they came to the island to cut timber or gather pine resin, fights broke out. Nearly every day malefactors were put in the stocks.

Finally the governor called a meeting of all the colonists. His house being too small, the meeting was held outdoors. He sat at a table with his seven assistants flanking him. There had been nine, but George Howe was dead, and Fernandes was excluded. Manteo, now a lord, was away on some embassy.

The men sat on stools or stood with their arms crossed, the women behind them. Eleanor cradled the sleeping Virginia. Georgie Howe sat on the ground, rocking from side to side in silence.

“What is that cursed ship still doing here?” Ambrose Vickers burst out. “If Fernandes won’t take us to Chesapeake, he should be on his way.”

Ananias nodded and turned to the governor. “Truly, that ship is a beacon to any vessel plying the coast. Fernandes could lead the Spaniards right into this bay.”

John White raised his voice over the grumblers. “Fernandes and I are in disagreement, but he is not a traitor, I’ll warrant you.”

“We might try again to persuade him,” said Roger Bailey. “With arms if necessary.” He looked around to measure his support.

I shook my head in disagreement. The time for taking back the ship had been the moment Fernandes first defied the governor.

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