Chapter 11

When all attention was focused outwards, Dickie Barrett stole a glance at Ngaiti. Gone was the affable whaler cum interpreter. The inimical look was intense and dangerous and lasted but a second. Its meaning and intent made very clear to Ngaiti.

"Now why didn"t I think of that," stated Wakefield as he straightened his jacket and adjusted his cover.

Eleanor had seen Barrett turn to look at Ngaiti; she was surprised at the vehemence displayed by Barrett over such a trivial matter. She moved closer to Andrew who was craning his neck to catch sight of the spectacle.

Colonel William Wakefield looked down at the medals that hung resplendently from his left breast. Noticing an errant medallion slightly askew, he straightened it so it now lay as it should. It was imperative that he and the other employees of the New Zealand Company assembled on the quarterdeck project a dignified air and that their appearance and behaviour inspire trust and confidence with the natives they were about to meet.

For the brothers, Edward and William Wakefield, this first encounter with M?ori was a significant milestone in fulfilling their dreams and ambitions. Opportunists to the core, they"d fancied creating an empire founded on Systemic Colonisation and enterprise, which they hoped would eventually parallel the success of the East India Company. Buying cheap land, building a community and seeing it expand into a town represented the culmination of that dream.

A shame Edward couldn"t be here now, thought the colonel.

He"d always been at the side of his older brother, Edward, even during the darkest of times when they were both incarcerated for kidnapping. Even when Edward had been unsuccessful at colonising South Australia, he"d been supportive. It wasn't Edward"s fault that guileless and conniving company officials from The South Australia Colony, which Edward helped found, wrested control from him. He believed in Edward with unflinching loyalty and devotion.

Colonel Wakefield glanced down at his medals and laughed to himself. It was Edward"s idea that he obtain an officer"s commission by supporting the Emperor of Brazil in his war in Portugal. Having no military experience, and much to everyone"s surprise, William was able to join with the commissioned rank of Captain. After fulfilling his obligations to the Emperor, he then enlisted to fight for Queen營sabella II of Spain. With a total of five years military service, he emerged with a chest, full of medals and holding the rank of colonel. Edward was delighted and immediately recruited William to the cause of the New Zealand Company.

Port Nicholson.

In deference to age, the older Chief Te Puni climbed aboard the Tory first and immediately moved aside, allowing his younger cousin, Chief Te Wharepouri, to climb the ladder and stand beside him. Once on deck, Te Wharepouri stood relaxed and faced the assembled group. As usual, he wore his longish hair loose and appeared comfortable in pants, shirt and a jacket with an impressive cloak, a kahu kuri, draped over his shoulders. This cloak was special; it was elaborate in design and the materials used in its construction signified his status. Te Puni was dressed similarly, although his kahu was not as intricate.

Te Wharepouri studied the group of people gathered before him. Slowly he looked from one face to another, taking measure. His own neutral expression gave no indication of his mood or thoughts. He also knew that his moko, facial tattoo, would create some unease, especially with Pakeha women.

He immediately recognized the little portly man, Barrett, who was standing in front. The only indication that Te Wharepouri was familiar with him was the uncontrolled tightening of his mouth, it was unlikely anyone noticed. At the back, behind the others, he recognised Ngaiti; he established the briefest eye contact, giving an imperceptible nod. Te Wharepouri could not help staring at the young woman standing beside him, the colour of her hair and skin a sight as unusual to him as his moko was to her. He thought she was a vision of pure beauty and, to his surprise, she did not demurely look away as he expected, instead returned his look with equal intensity and open, intelligent curiosity. There were older men and younger, some in uniform and others not. He noted two young men, almost boys; each appeared to be writing on paper or drawing. He continued his appraisal and stopped at the person he assumed was the Pakeha chief, William Wakefield.

When in Sydney, Australia, Te Wharepouri had seen many soldiers and noticed the uniforms they wore. He was puzzled at how a man could fight wearing such clothes. He was more astonished at the uniforms worn by their chiefs, or officers as he"d been told they were called. Those uniforms were so tight and restrictive, preventing the physical movement needed to be a good warrior. To the battle-hardened Te Wharepouri, this indicated that the officers were not fighting men, how could they be, he wondered. In front of him now stood such a man. He looked at Wakefield closely and noticed his carefully disguised unease and nervousness.