To the Docks

After meeting the students & Madame Mary Oswald and Nicolas started for home. Madame Mary was so overwhelmed to see them & kept on saying, "You both have grown so big. I am fortunate that you have remembered me."

They reached home just before dinner. Mrs. Jones was already waiting for them. She had asked Lily to prepare something special.

"Every human loves a treat just after a long journey or exercise or any sort of hardwork. Oh, I wonder how tired the kids are... Prepare something special. Fast fast.."

The dinner was quite a hearty one with Mrs.William chattering about various topics.

"Well I knew that you kids would be tired so I told Lily to prepare something tasty. Have you the flowers in the garden? Trust me Mrs. Jones has really worked hard on them. They are magnificent. I am sure that Oswald's bride would love them. But what a shame, my son has not yet decided anything."

Nicolas joined in, "Yes Ossy your mom is absolutely correct. When will you decide ??"

"Oh shut up. How can you speak with such a big mouth when you haven't decided anything yet??" Oswald grinned.

"Well I am waiting for you to decide then I will. I would first like to study your taste." replied Nicolas coolly.

"Why don't you just accept the fact that you are afraid??" asked Oswald with a tone of sarcasm.

Their friendly argument continued.

All Mrs. William could do was to sit & listen. Oswald had lost his father when he was 12. She had thought that was the end but then he got enrolled in the University of Oxford with high grades & met Nicolas there. From then on they have been the best buddies ever. They both understand each other because some way or the other they both have lost their near ones. Whether father or mother. Nicolas had been very supportive to her & she loves him equally as her own son.

"Ok stop this argument now. Remember tomorrow you both have to the docks ??" said Mrs. William trying to stop them, "You should go to sleep early kids..."

"Mom we aren't kids any more!!" groaned Oswald.

"To a mother, her kids will always remain kids" answered Mrs. Oswald affectionately.

"Very well then I should leave now. Thanks for the dinner Mrs. William. It was quite refreshing. See you tomorrow Ossy. Bye" saying this Nicolas left.

The next day was very hectic for them both. They visited the docks and met Captain Dark Eye (That's what he was known by in the port region. His real name is unknown.) & his crew. They agreed at once to the proposal. Even though the Captain was above 40 years, he had an ardour equal to a man in his twenties. His posture & words reflected his experience with the sea. Oswald & Nicolas knew that they had found the right person.

"I had always been waiting for such a journey. Atleast I will have the opportunity to explore outside the regular port cities. Ahoy Brandon! Call my crew.."

Brandon, a dock worker called for Captain Dark Eye's crew. They were amusing themselves in the nearby bar. They came scampering as soon as they heard that their Captain had called for them.

"Yes Captain...at your service!" they said.

"Listen we have to take these two of the Queen's advisors and four other lads to the coasts of Texas. Then we'll explore the region for valuable mines. So are you lads ready for the adventure??" the Captain said.

"Yes" everyone roared.