Impressment
Copyright 2013 Ashley Cherry
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Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
About the Author
Chapter One
The night sky grew dreary as the unpredicted storm brewed. The wind whistled and howled violently, turning over wooden barrels and creaking windows. The severe storm did not bother the scalawags at the saloon. They lived it up like there was no tomorrow. The Savvy Saloon was dark inside; it was only lit by several candles with one on each table. The music in the saloon was roaring with complexity. The piano player glided his hands across the keys like he was born attached to it. While that ruckus was going on, just a block away there laid seventeen year old Zachary Siketon in his bed. Suddenly his window burst open and he awoke in a flash. He struggled to close it with the wind gusting harder and harder. Rain was misting in his face and stinging his eyes, finally he successfully closed the window. He then heard the sound of crying come from his parent’s room. Concerned, he quickly barged in, “Mother is everything all right?” His mother glanced up at him, “Yes, Zachary it was just that wicked storm woke up your sister.” His mother cradled baby Emma gently in her arms, trying to sooth her. Then she looked at him quizzically, “What are you doing out of bed at this time of night?” Zachary stared down at the floor and scratched his head. “My window burst open; it was sure a fix trying to close it.” Then his father sat upright in his bed, “Oh, I can’t go back to sleep now!” John Siketon and his wife, Sarah Siketon, were both born in the Massachusetts colony.
They were both active in the community; John traded with foreign countries to sell goods back in Massachusetts. Sarah worked in a bakery and volunteered in women approved activities. Before them in early 1600s England, lots of people known as pilgrims boarded a ship called the Mayflower. To escape religious differences they sailed to what is now known as the United States of America. This caused England anger against them; the people of the thirteen colonies decided they should govern themselves.
“You better get back to bed young man, you have a big day tomorrow,” John said to Zachary. “Father Can I with your permission go with you on the voyage?” John looked at his son; he could tell in his eyes that he wanted to go. “Umm… I don’t know son, it’s very hazardous on the open sea.” Zachary then said reassuringly, “Please father I can handle it.” “Okay son, but don’t be regretting it once it’s already done,” John said to his son pointing a finger at him. Zachary shook his head and went back to his room for a peaceful sleep.
The morning sun was just arising as Zachary put on his buckled shoes, brown tattered jacket, white buttoned shirt and brown pants. Zachary met his father in the kitchen eating oatmeal and last night’s bread. “There you are Zachary, sit down and eat quickly.” After eating Sarah fixed a knapsack of clothes and food for both John and Zachary. “Please be careful Zachary, Its rough out there,” Sarah said embracing him with a hug.
Outside, everything was turned over or torn apart by the storm. Some merchants had major damage to their stores. They picked up overturned tables, shards of glass and anything else of value. At the harbor the spirits of men were more chipper. There were a total of fourteen men of John Siketon’s crew. Each one had a specific task on the ship such as the lookout, helmsmen, driver, map maker etc. Zachary took in a breath of fresh air as he boarded the fine vessel. Then in a few minutes they were off into the wild blue yonder. Out of the seventeen years of his life Zachary had not been on a ship. Just now a thought passed his mind. Soon he had to choose an occupation but what? He then realized to become a trader like his father; he liked being on the ocean and he couldn’t think of any other talent. John came up to him and slapped him on the back. “How do like the sea son? Getting tired of it yet?” “Well actually father I think it’s fascinating, and I’ve decided to be a trader like you.” John turned away from his son and looked into the crystal blue water. “Son I have business to attend to, if you need me I’ll be in my quarters.” John walked away and went down below of the ship. Zachary’s eyes furrowed thinking why didn’t his father give a reaction to his decision.