BecauseThe following story is a collaboration between Mr. T and Cascadia. It began as a lark and seemed to unfold of its own accord. Suddenly we looked around and realized we had quite a story.
It is our intention to post an installment or two of the story each day in serial fashion. This is not a closed thread...it is okay (encouraged) if you wish to post comments along the way. We hope you will find us congenial hosts to our readers.
In part we have chosen to post it here, in the playground, because we feel, frankly, playful about our little novella. And in the spirit of playfulness, alongside our text, you may find we will post images or links to audio or video clips.
>>>These are integral to the story and you are highly encouraged to click on these links
(FYI: if you are viewing on a PC or laptop you can RIGHT CLICK on the link
to open a second window allowing you to listen without leaving the text screen)
for the full experience we are attempting to provide you, the reader. <<<
You will soon discover our two main characters take turns propelling the story forward from their own perspective. Our story is a romantic bit of fun frivolity we wish to share with all of you and we do so with joyful abandon. It is not meant to be serious.
We hope you find a small fraction of the enjoyment we have found in the writing of it.
Cascadia and Mr. T
______________________________________
Setting: Barbados, 1813.
The scene opens on a large sugar plantation, one of many great planters on the island with connections to English aristocracy and Parliament. There is a party in progress - everyone who is anyone on the small island is there. The day has progressed from one event to another, and the lavish meal complete, the party goers are dancing in the early evening.
Main Characters:
The Privateer, Jameson Stone ~ the Captain of the brigantine, Constantine, an adventurer and a bit of a rogue, but a man of honour. He holds a "letter of marque" or a commission from the crown, King George III of England.
Kezziah,* the youngest daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. She is 19 and her father is anxious to have her married off. This has been arranged for her to the business advantage of her father. In part, the festivities have been designed to help further the nuptial arrangements between the two families.
Supporting Characters in Order of Appearance:
- Father Lorenzo. The Priest, presiding over a Catholic mission in Barbados.
- The Monseñor. An elderly devout man, well known to the locals and the English Plantation owners of Barbados.
- The Spanish Slaver. Captain Martez of the Tristan, a frigate.
- Antoine. The Captain's first mate, an older African sailor, a freeman, honourable and true.
- The Russian slave girl, Tatyana. Bought at the slave market by Sheikh Hamad.
- Sheikh Alafdahl. A warrior and major clan leader.
- Sheikh Hamad, the Cruel. A major clan leader and purveyor of the finest stallions in Egypt.
- The Captain's Steward, Gerard. An able seaman, fighter, tactician, and the Captain's oldest friend.
- The Official. Sheik Hamad's First Officer.
- Professor Nathaniel Campbell. An English gentleman, professor of Renaissance history and culture. Occasionally serves as an informal envoy.
- Andrew Greaves. One of many suitors to our heroine. A man of excellent prospects in spite of being overly indulged by his mother.
- Sailor Aiden. A young American sailor. The Constantine is his second seaman's assignment.
- Shipman McCord. An older Scottish sailor who has served on the Constantine for 14 months.
- Regge Mouton. Captain of the John Pierre, (a Schooner) a tall, good natured Cajun American from New Orleans.
Note: This story is a work of fiction. We have attempted to not play fast and loose with historical facts, geography and the historical context in which we have set our characters, however neither of us make any claim to be professional historians and some liberties have been taken to move the story-line along.
*pronounced kez-EYE-ah
© cascadiabound and Mrtenant 2016, all rights reserved
Always darling. AlwaysView attachment 2210267
And when he was lost at sea
Storm tossed without hope
She was constant in her love
And held forth her light
That guided him home
To the stars and beyond darling
I can't tell you how much it pleases me that you read our little novella. It was quite a ride to create it.Thank you both for sharing your creativity and talent here with us. It was quite the adventure and a delight to read.
