Reaching the depot, William searched through the dirty window of the front office for any sign of life within.
“I suppose you want a ride to the navy yards johnny sailor bold?” a voice from behind Will grumbled. Will turned to see a one-legged man driving a cart loaded with heavy shot. A scraggly, unkempt beard did little to disguise the man smiling at his own jest. Though it was far from a comfortable carriage with the company of a beautiful girl, it would be better than walking all night to get to the shipyard.
“I am. Would you be so kind?” Will asked, hoping the man didn’t demand some form of payment as he had little money after several weeks in London.
“Climb on up then sailor, er, Sir! My apologies Lieutenant! It’s been too long, I forget myself sometimes.” the driver cackled. William could not quite tell if he was the butt of another joke or if the man was genuine.
As the cart wound its way through London’s streets toward the naval yard, the sun started edging into the western sky. Evening would soon set in and a breeze from the east was carrying the salty air of the sea mixed with various smells of cooking food and wood smoke. Finished with the formalities of the board, William was grateful to relax, taking off his dress coat and hat, the breeze brought welcome relief from the stifling constriction he had endured most of the day. He eyed the cargo in the back of the cart and asked the driver he had managed to convince a ride from,
“Those look like eighteen-pound shot. Are you hauling to a man o’ war?”
“Aye, I am, though it may not be on the same end of the yard as the inn, not sure, you may want to part ways with me before I head onto the pier,” the cart driver explained, simultaneously navigating the street while repacking his pipe.
“Not to worry, I do appreciate the ride. Which ship?” William pressed, watching apprehensively as the driver fumbled over his pipe, barely paying attention to much else.
“Ah, Pier twelve I believe, I forget her bloody name, here take these,” the driver said, handing the reins to William. The driver began digging into a shirt pocket that had several pieces of paper, then handed William his pipe and sorted through them one by one. “Here it is,” he exclaimed, “the last foundry order for the H.M.S Valor.”
William dug into his jacket pocket, fumbling for the envelope containing his orders. He opened the envelope, hearing the name H.M.S Valor brought a skip to his heartbeat. He hadn’t even seen for himself which frigate he had been assigned to yet, the chance he was assigned to the Valor was exhilarating. She had been the talk of town, having just returned from the Americas and recently taking a French privateer sloop as a prize. Her Captain was reputed to be one of the finest commanders a sailor could serve with. Opening the seal, he unfolded the parchment and scanned through the formalities for her name. “I do hereby on this day the fourth of August in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and eight assign Lieutenant William A. Pike to service aboard the H.M.S Valor …” William’s disappointment in being passed over faded in the crescendo of his excitement. This was an assignment any Lieutenant hopeful for promotion would kill for! This new revelation fresh on his mind inflated the young officer’s spirit, he could barely contain it. He slapped the cart driver on the shoulder, almost causing him to lose his grip of the pipe.
“Well, good man, it happens that you have rated escort from the ship’s new first lieutenant for this load of ammunition! Where is a pub along the way? I feel like having a drink and I’m sure you wouldn’t mind indulging me, if not joining me for one?” William asked overflowing with this new joyful discovery.
“I don’t suppose we have the time lad; I spoke with the Captain yesterday when I delivered, he is preparing to set off, this is the last load from the foundry for shot. There were barrels of food and water being loaded yesterday when I left and powder the day before. It looked to me like she will be making way soon, perhaps as soon as this last load is aboard.” The cart driver eyed William, kind of leaning away as he spoke.
“Well, whatever the case, I shall certainly want to celebrate, this is a tremendous assignment!” William exclaimed; his giddiness was apparent though he could see his companion did not share in it. The cobbled streets eventually gave way to dirt and graveled roads as the taller buildings of London faded into the countryside replaced by farmhouses and softly rolling hills. William noted heavy storm clouds lumbering in from the north as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky a beautiful sight. Oranges and violets floated
