Chapter 8. Onto the Ice

  Leaving the Elds hall a few minutes later the crew found the rest of the village outside, ready to join with the ceremony. It looked as every single person living here was here and ready to go. “A few of the youngest babbies will stay behind, too cold for them yet.”, Arno mentioned. Makes sense Will thought, pretty darn cold now, and little guys shouldn’t be out in the chill. The group moved through the village, heading toward the exit near the fields. Another change, last time here the fence wasn’t around this part. Not the huge fields around the village, but more of an enclosed vegetable garden. Nothing growing now, unless a good crop of ice and snow is what you need. “We’re planning to plant the seeds you gave us last trip.”, Arno said, “The lads have been such a help, knowing the ways of growing crops.”. His son, Arnon, was walking with them and elbowed his father with a smile, “And soon to be family, if Giselle has anything to say about it.”. Aha, now there’s a twist, Will thought. Is that why the lads wanted to stay, they were sparking some of the local girls. “Which one, Arnold or…”, he began. But was interrupted by Arnon, “Nope, she’s got her eye on Mason. They hit it off right away. Arnolds interested in one of her friends, Marielle.”. He spent the next twenty minutes, as they trudged along a well worn path, telling Will how the teens met, what they liked to do, practically every detail he could remember. And he had a good memory. None of it was mean or malicious though, he just like to talk about…everything. “He’s gonna be a good brother, said when he and sis are married they’ll live at the inn.”, the young lad stopped then “Ah, we’re here.”.

  Here was a long low cliff, around thirty feet in height but stretching out far to the west, increasing in height as it went. Directly in front of the group was the mouth of a cave, wide enough for two to enter and much higher than Will’s head. Torches were being lighted and it looked like the next part was inside. Now Will wasn’t exactly claustrophobic but if given the choice he would stay out of tight spaces, and this looked pretty tight. And there was a heck of a lot of people going to be crowding in there. He could push through it if needed and today it looked like he’d need to. Minnie saw his hesitation, she knew how he felt. She came over and held his hand, “We’ll go in together okay?”. He sighed and nodded. Then noticed that not everyone was going in, the bulk of the people had come along just to stop outside.

  As the family and friends prepared to go in, Tor stepped forward. “Thank you all for walking our parents home, as they go to the ice for the long sleep. I know they thought well of everyone here, and even if they are here earlier than anyone wanted, it was their time. There were no regrets in their lives, family and friends brought them joy everyday. Have a safe walk back.”. The crowd bowed their heads, every single one from the youngest child to the eldest, and held there for a count of five. Then with calls of goodbye, all headed back towards the village. “A nice send off.”, Arno said to Will. “Nice show of support, not to be nosy but that happens every time?”, Will asked. “Yes, should be done within thirty days of the passing, I don’t know why, it’s always been like that.”. Now it was only twenty people or so, Will felt a bit better about the cave. Not much but he steeled himself and, with Minnie beside him, went in.

  Bigger than it looked and well lit by so many torches. Traces of soot in the ceiling told of recent use. Voices echoed back from the ones in front, it was difficult to make out what they were saying though. Side by side they walked in and down. The wind was gone and Will pulled his hood down and opened the collar of his suit, gloves off too. From the feel they were below the frost line, it was much warmer. A few minutes later they stopped. In a large chamber with niches carved out of the rock where bodies had been interred. There were several in use already , the openings sealed. The setting reminded Will of catacombs he had visited so long ago in Paris. “Was this a natural cave or did you burrow it out?”, Minnie asked quietly . “When we found it the opening was small so we dug it out, made everything bigger…ah looks like they’re ready.”, Arno whispered back.

  The three brothers were standing in front of two niches, already sealed, with the names of their parents carved deep above. The twins stood in front, Uma had tears streaming down her cheeks. All the other family members had time to deal with their grief but this was the first time she’d had to face the loss. The first time it was real to her. “Our custom is to say a goodby here, just what’s in your heart.”, Arno said quietly. Will stood back while the family members went, he couldn’t hear what was said but waited to take his turn. He simply said goodbye, the other crew members did the same.

  Returning to the surface they hurriedly put hoods up and gloves back on, the cold was getting worse as the day wore on. Starting the walk back to the village, Tor asked Will if the crew would be joining them at the lads house for a remembrance meal. “Of course we will, thank you Tor.”. The young man nodded, “Ma and pa thought of you all as family, we all do.”. “Thanks Tor, we feel the same. The time we spent here were some of the best days since I came to this world.”. Tor smiled, “Those were some good times, you should come back in the spring .”. Minnie heard that, Ron and Percy too. They had enjoyed hunting in the vast forests to the north and jumped at the chance to do it again. “What ya think pop?”, Minnie asked, “Come back?”. It didn’t take much convincing, Will loved the land here and the people, sure it was a long journey but they had the time. “Yes, I’d…we’d love to. Maybe bring some youngsters with us too.”, he was already planning things. Do the same as last time, cut some ironwood, take a good long trip to explore. And of course hunt in the deep dark forests.

  Returning to the village the Obbs split up, Din and Cal to the family home, but Tor was staying with Savva’s family. The young couple didn’t live in the village, they and several other young people lived far to the east. In a new community that had sprung up out of need. The huge reindeer herds that were all important to these people, migrated in the fall in search of food. It just made sense for the people to live there too, to keep an eye on them. It had happened in the old land too, but life was much more difficult there. When the crew had relocated the northers here so much had changed. A shorter and easier winter made life so much easier. It was still a hard land but not as harsh as it was.

  The crew plus Mason and Arnold were heading back to the pier area, to prepare for this evenings meal. “You really don’t mind the family using the inn tonight?”, Mason asked. “Why would we mind? It’s mostly your place.”, Minnie replied this time. “Besides,”, Will added, “I hear you might be starting your own family hmmm?”. Because of the winter clothing the lad was wearing he couldn’t see if he blushed or not, but he was willing to bet he did. Older teens were easy that way.

  Reaching the shore the two lads angled off to the inn, the crew headed to the ship. Out in the open now, no windbreaks at all, the cold wind was what some light call brisk, others might call it bone chillingly horrible. Walking those few yards down the pier was definitely fun, only the prospect of a good cuppa and a nice warm ship made it okay. Finally reaching and darting below was quite the relief. Ron went to light the stoves, their warmth would leak out to the mess hall at least. The rest of below deck was warmed by the radiators and they were doing an okay job. If the cabin doors were kept shut the rooms were warm but all of the warm air would rush out when the doors opened. Not much to be done about that. Just keeping the door to crew country closed helped but then it got stuffy with no fresh air. Opening the portholes brought in fresh air but you had to be quick, otherwise the whole deck would cool down rapidly. All about balance.

  Oona was still spending as much time as possible with her sister. This meant she was staying aboard the Rose. Will had double checked this was okay with the brothers and they all said of course she could. And now another problem was rising. Uma made no secret of the fact she was staying aboard, but it looked like her sister thought she had come back to be with the family. Oh yes, he thought, more drama.

  They all doffed the snowsuits and boots by the stairs and were all in the mess. Will and Ron were enjoying a nice mug of tea. The others had hot cider, nonalcoholic of course. “When does it become cider and not just apple juice?”, Will pondered. Minnie took a delicate sip from her mug, “I think when you add stuff, like the spices, then it’s cider.”. “Yeah makes sense.”, Will replied, “Hey, knock knock!”.

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  “Who’s there?”. Minnie asked.

  “Icy.”

  “Icy who?”.

  “I see a long cold winter ahead.”.

  It was quiet for a moment, then a couple of giggles and snorts, “Okay, so it wasn’t my best, I’ll keep trying.”, Will said.

  Ron let them know that dinner would be later at the inn, but if anyone was a bit peckish now he’d whip up some soup and a sandwich or two. Will passed but the rest of the group were starving apparently. He went to help out in the galley. “Could you open up three jars of the soup base, over there in the shelves beside the sink,”, Ron asked, he was slicing bread. After doing that, Will was instructed to pour them into the pot resting on the counter. Then to add equal amounts of fresh water from the cask. “Well that sure saves time, not having to make it from scratch all the time.”, he remarked. Ron nodded, “Yes, it’s nearly as good but always the same, kinda boring.”. After getting the bread buttered, cheese sliced he then opened up a jar of roast beef. Cooked then preserved, it was perfectly fine and sliced nice and thick on the sandwiches. Will carried out the soup, Ron the rest, then returned for bowls and spoons. Seeing everyone dig in he decided on a bowl after all. Very warming indeed, and that warmth spread out all though him. Twenty minutes later they were in the crew lounge relaxing in the easy chairs. Feet on a hassock Will was thinking about his recliner, back in his townhouse. Maybe on the trip back he’d get Minnie to start tinkering with the idea. See if she could work out the gear’s and what ever else made them work. The little ones were in Uma’s room, doing whatever ten year old girls do. Drawing or reading, he had no clue really. Minnie had settled them earlier. She and the boys were in the lounge with Will. Percy had curled up in his chair and dropped off, Ron had covered him with a soft blanket. Then sprawled out in his own chair, snoozing away too. The sleep breathing was too much for Will and before he had written one page of notes about today, he too was sleeping. Minnie looked around at her sleeping family and just laughed.

  Next thing Will knew was Minnie tickling his nose, “Hey old guy, time to wakey wakey.”. Checking his watch he found he’d slept for three hours, a fine nap indeed. “Thanks sweety, gotta get ready for the wake yeah?”. Minnie nodded, “Yup, the others are, littles too. But we gotta talk about them.”. She went on, “I know Uma’s plan, she wants to stay on board forever. Be one of us if she can, how do you feel about that pop.”. “Of course she can stay, for as long as she can. I hope it lasts for her, like it did for Naomi.”, he sighed, “Reminds me of my grand daughters, just so much. I know the lads love her, pretty sure you do too.”. Minnie caught his eye, “And you?”. “Hard not to, she wormed her way into our hearts pretty quickly, but what about Oona?”, this had been on Wills mind. Before, when Uma had sneaked on her sister had wanted no part of staying aboard. For a visit sure, coming to dinner or sleeping over a couple of days. Living her permanently? No chance, just not for her. Minnie’s word’s confirmed it, “She still doesn’t like it here much. No that’s not right, she likes being here with everyone but the sea life’s just not for her. She’ll be staying behind when we leave.”. That settled Wills mind a bit, not that her coming to live aboard the Rose would have been a problem, not at all. But this was not the life for everyone and he was glad she realized. “They’ll see each other once a year, wow…that sounds awful out loud”, Will said, “Their choice though. I’m glad the family’s okay with it. I did have my doubts.”. These deep thoughts were interrupted by the two girls in question coming in, dressed in their finest, not alike though. “Auntie, captain, uncle Percy said to get ready before you hold up everything, and uncle Ron said to not be so fussy about stuff, then uncle Percy said…”, Uma was on a roll, until Minnie held up her hand, “Got it, we’re going.”.

  A quick wash and a change of clothes later, only taking fifteen minutes, and everyone was ready to get the snowsuits back on. Helping each other slide in to the bulky outfits, putting on boots and two sets of gloves, and all the other heavy gear needed, that took another ten. Finally ready, Will checked the stoves were out, all lanterns out and no candles left burning. Only then did they head up. Cold, a real deep cold. The kind that burns your lungs and makes you cough, and because they were out on the water the salty moisture was even worse. A life jacket was put on, over everything, just in case. But if either of the little ones did fall in, it would not end well. The crew would be fine if they got knocked in, or blown, they’d survive. So a firm grip on their arms, no letting go until they reached dry land. A quick trip from there up the road to the inn, no one wanted to dawdle in this. It seemed a lookout had been posted and the door was flung open as the group neared. They bustled in, door closed firmly behind, them a thick blanket drawn across. Blocking drafts from finding the way in.

  The heat was welcome, even if was a short trip to here from the pier. A fire was burning merrily in the big fireplace, a few lanterns kept the big room well lit. A long trestle table was set up near the kitchen and a steady supply of all sorts of dishes were coming out. After removing and hanging the outer clothes in the large closets beside the entrance, the mingling began. Five or six round tables were set up, some close to the fire, others further away. Ron wandered into the kitchen to lend a hand and to snoop at what was cooking, his large frame looking out of place among the women and younger girls that were toiling away, preparing the meal. But there was no resentment towards him, he had after all helped design and build this kitchen. It was set up the way he and Naomi liked it, and they all knew it. Savva greeted him like an old friend, and introduced all the others, mostly her family. Percy spotted Arnold and Mason sitting near the fire, and went to catch up, Minnie spotted a table with a rough sign reading ‘Rose Crew’, on it and rightly figured this was their spot. Will had been carrying a large bag, he unloaded it onto the long table. He waved Din over whose eyes lit up with joy when he saw what the captain brought. “Oh my is that all cheese? I love it, what kind is the orange one again…hey Tor, Cal get over here, look what captain Will brought!”. The other brothers came over and were just as excited as Tor was. This was one thing they didn’t have, the reindeer didn’t give enough milk for the northers to make cheese. Will had brought several wheels and was busy cutting slices of this and that, everyone there loved cheese it seemed.

  After a few minutes he passed the task off to one of Savva’s sisters and sat down with Minnie and the twins. “Busy place huh pop.”, she was sketching. Rough work for now, she would complete them over time, but these would hold the memory for now. Things like Percy laughing with Mason as they toasted a skewer of fish at the big fireplace. Or Ron looking on as Din was devouring yet another slice of cheddar. Scenes of life and scenes of loss. A small table was set in the centre of the room, two empty chairs as well. As Will looked over he remembered the first time he’d met up with Katya and Therd, and the night they’d come aboard for dinner. The courage to climb aboard the Alvin, put the family’s safety in the hands of a stranger. “They were remarkable people you know?”, he said softly to the girls, “I’m glad to have known them, the world is just a little bit less without them.”. “Thank you captain,”, the voice came from behind. He hadn’t realized Tor was behind him. The young man sat beside the sisters, they had been unusually quiet tonight. “Feeling all right?”, he asked kindly. Uma nodded, “Just sad, wish I could have talked with them one more time, just once more. Tell them of the wonders I’ve seen, cause of letting me go with.”. Will understood that feeling, you always think there’ll be more time. Then when you least expect it reality hits and that person is gone. “Do you have to go again?”, Oona said, “Haven’t you seen enough, come home now.”. Will knew what was coming, “The Rose is my home now.”, Uma said. This didn’t go over very well with the other little girl, but she controlled herself, didn’t lash out with anger. She just looked sad, but nodded and hugged Uma.

  The evening waned on, lots of food devoured, many songs and much laughter. Wind was howling outside, snow falling in sheets, ice building on the windows as the temperature dropped even more. “This is the coldest time,”, Cal said as he looked outside, “We don’t go out in the nighttime much, too cold even for us.”. Looking out Will could understand why, the short walk back to the boat was going to be fun. Most of the others were staying here tonight, even the walk back to the village was not safe. Only the crew were going to brave the chill. Things were being packed away now, the wake over. Will decided to call it a night, gave a whistle to let the others know. Oona had decided to stay here tonight so it was just the five getting dressed now. Their gear was warm as they put on the different layers. Not a single gap remained for the harsh wind to get inside, every inch was covered. Checking each other over took but a minute, then with calls of ‘be safe, walk quickly’ the five left the warmth of the inn.

  Quickly closing the door behind, Will looked at Minnie and nodded, she got the idea and picked up Uma. “Hold on tight sweety.”, she let loose and started jumping. The boys copied as did Will. Three mighty leaps took them to the edge of the pier, two more and they landed with a thump on the deck of the Rose. Minnie placed Uma back on her feet as Will opened the stairwell. Percy and Ron clattered down followed by the other three. Closing the upper doors tightly and sealing the bottom of the doors with a long heavy cloth bolster. Then doing the same at the lower doors, keeping the cold at bay. While removing the winter clothes the young girl had a dozen questions. How they could jump like that, could they go further, why not do it all the time, could Naomi do it too, would she be able to one day, and much more. Minnie answered best as she could, “We can all do stuff like that, but it scares people a bit. So we don’t do it all the time.”. Uma definitely wasn’t scared, she loved it, “It was like flying and we didn’t freeze, I loved it.”.