Frederick And Geraldine (Part 6)

Mary had nine cannons to defend against the pirates. The passengers lived in large cabins having low ceilings. This carrack was steered by Sam, the best between pilots. Three decks and the crew's quarters made it look as a building. Their quarters and the captain's house were on the upper deck. With a long boat and a shallop, this carrack was safe. The kitchen was near the cabins; the food they could check. The food didn't push people against the restraints to chafe. This vessel had hatches to be used between the floors. On the lower deck, near the cargo, 'twas the gun room. There, they stored some guns and powder hidden behind the locked doors. Their scent was blurred by the salt and by the ladies' perfume. The waves and the missing light made this deck cold and damp For flour, biscuits, dried meats, and vegetables, water and beer. The seamen entered in that place using a small lamp. One by one, Sam and Sulim were moving the rudder to steer. The capstan used to heave up the anchor placed at the bow. The binnacle stood directly in front of the wheel. Through the compass, to have a night vision it could allow. The magnetic deviation they could see and feel. The sailors used the hourglass to measure their duty time An astrolabe helped them see the position of the stars. Their chip board measured the speed during the stormy clime. The Cross staff was skillful to see those ships of the wars. ''Give me the quadrant to see the dawn star's altitude! '' Freddy told Sam, ''Why did you choose to buy a carrack? '' ''Provisions for long sails, but I can't say with certitude. It's stable in heavy seas and helpful during attacks.'' 'Did you hear about der Eyck? '' Continued Frederick. ''His instrument for longitudes and latitudes is new, '' Said Arturo, a Spanish passenger, '' it's not a trick.'' ''I'll buy the Plantius' version for me and for my crew.'' (to be continued...) Poem by Marieta Maglas