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

Author:Lance Morcan & James Morcan [Morcan, Lance]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sterling Gate Books
Published: 2013-12-31T00:00:00+00:00

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.

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