A Family United, a Family Divided - a Blog Tour and Book Excerpt for "Beneath the Dark Oceans"

BOOK EXCERPT:

A WINTER STORM

CANADA Winter 1906

If they’d thought the weather had been bad so far, this was nothing compared to the dark days of January. Now the snow took on a wilder, meaner character and no-one wanted to play in it any more. The house was very cold, and heating supplies were running low. In desperation one day, Ellen sent the two oldest boys out to find firewood wherever they could. Coal had run out in the neighbourhood and wood was scarce. Another storm had been forecast in the newspapers and people were trying to prepare.

‘Don’t go too far, though,’ their mother said. ‘Just do the best you can.’

The sky had an angry pink hue to it and Georgy knew that snow was imminent. He hurried along the streets with William calling at every possible supplier. Nearly everywhere had run out.

‘I’m tired,’ said William. ‘Let’s go home. We don’t want to get caught out in the storm.’

‘Just another couple of streets,’ pleaded Georgy. ‘We can’t go home empty handed. If we don’t have a fire the house will be freezing.’

‘I’m freezing already,’ grumbled William, but he tagged along with Georgy anyway.

In the distance Georgy spotted a small wood yard.

‘Come on,’ he said. ‘They’ll have something, I’m sure.’

It was the furthest they’d ever been from home, but they bravely carried on. Their efforts were rewarded by a kindly man from the yard who sold them as much wood as their arms could carry. Georgy had also brought one of their sledges and they piled it up as well with lots more. By now the sky had turned to a sombre grey and the first flakes of snow were whirling in the air.

‘Quick,’ said William, ‘let’s get home while we still can.’

The going was slow and hard. Carrying and dragging piles of wood was heavy, back-breaking, arm-aching work and they struggled along. The air was becoming thick with snow, and it was blowing against their faces, making it difficult to see. Suddenly Georgy realised that he didn’t know where they were any more. Everything looked so different, and visibility was down to only a few yards. They stopped, both unsure of their way.

‘We’re lost!’ cried William. ‘This is your fault, Georgy. You said we should carry on.’

‘I’m sorry,’ muttered Georgy, trying not to panic. ‘Look, let’s just have a think.’

He felt miserable and cold.

‘Do you see that building over there? That tall one with the spire. Do you think that’s the church near our school?’

They didn’t know but headed towards it hopefully. It was a church but not the right one. Georgy didn’t recognise it at all and felt scared.

‘Let’s go in and ask someone,’ he suggested desperately. ‘At least we can shelter for a minute.’

They entered the dimly lit church, thankful of some respite from the weather. A few candles burnt inside giving a cosy glow, but they could see no-one.

William dropped his pile of wood with a clatter which echoed around the building.

‘My arms hurt,’ he said.

Just then a friendly voice behind them said: ‘Can I help you, boys?’

They turned to see the vicar of the parish.

‘We’re lost,’ Georgy told him. ‘We were getting firewood for our mother, but we can’t find our way home.’ His eyes filled suddenly with tears.

The clergyman smiled. ‘Well, that’s a great thing you have been doing. Don’t worry. We’ll help you find your way. Just tell me your address and I’ll get one of the vergers to take you home.’

Half an hour later they were finally home with their precious cargo of wood. Ellen was profuse in her thanks to the verger, who then went on his way.

‘Oh boys,’ she said, ‘I didn’t mean for you to go so far and get lost. What a scare you must have had. I knew something was wrong when you were so late back. Thank goodness you’re all right.’

‘It was fine,’ said William nonchalantly. ‘Nothing to worry about, was it, Georgy?’

‘No, nothing,’ his brother mumbled, but he was relieved to be home.