Times of Destiny
by
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Page 7: Young Jack Wildsmith was standing looking at land on the starboard side of the "Somerton" when Garcia the ship’s bosun approached. "Time to relieve the lookout Jack."Making their way to the rigging Jack watched with apprehension as a seaman climbed down from his perch. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes as he jumped to the deck. "There you go lad," he said gruffly. Jack looked at Garcia who nodded. The youngster climbed to the foot of the rigging, looked up at the apparent enormity of the task and began the ascent. A few of the crew gathered to watch. Jack, fortunately, did not see a small circle of men in a corner exchanging money, bets were being taken on his survival. He did not look down, he slowed a little as his arms and legs began to ache. Determination took hold and Jack finally eased himself into the crow's nest, he heard a cheer and looked down for the first time seeing spectators, some with hats raised, he stood up and then felt real fear as the ship tilted to port moving with the motion of the waves. He closed his eyes and then the movement stopped and the ship came back to lean to starboard. For some minutes Jack stood rigid trying to get used to the movement so foreign to him. There was a telescope propped against the side off the crow's nest. Gingerly he reached for it, picked it up and began his surveillance of the sea about him. On deck Somerton exchanged glances with Garcia. "He's done well so far." "He has that sir" agreed Garcia. After an hour Garcia sent a seaman aloft to take over from Jack who made his way steadily to the deck. The first man to step forward to congratulate him was Jacob Thorn. "Well done," the captain said. "Good, now you will get the job again," said Garcia. Page 8: From then on many of the crew exchanged greetings when Jack passed; a few had conversations with him however short; he felt accepted. The "Somerton" continued on a southerly course. Occasionally Jack glimpsed land away on the port side. The temperature began to rise. The sun came out every day, often the blue skies were cloudless. As a result Jack carried out what duties he could at his age and strength stripped to the waist. His skin reddened and quickly turned to a healthy tan. The days grew hotter. At times the "Somerton" fell into the doldrums, the sails slack, the ship drifting. Jacob took advantage of these times, able to help Jack with reading, writing and a little Latin. Sea birds, a piece of driftwood and, to Jack's horror, the body of a black man floating by, heralded the closeness of land. It was Jack who saw the tips of a mountain range appear on the skyline from the crow's nest. "Land ho!" he called "Where away?" "Dead ahead. Captain." Somerton turned to the man at the helm. "Turn into the wind." "Aye, sir." "Garcia, heave to, guns to firing positions." "Yes, sir." "Leave the sails, we'll drift on the anchor and get the boy down, we need experience in the nests all night. Keep hands close to the capstan. Let Jack sleep awhile and put him on the quarterdeck to keep watch, his young eyes could be useful."
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About the Book
It was by pure coincidence that the writing of Times of Destiny was completed at the same time as many countries’ ceremonies of remembrance on the one hundredth anniversary of the start of the First World War. Life in and out of the trenches is portrayed in a series of historic events that had distinct effects on the security of the United Kingdom. Three boys reach manhood, and they and their descendants form a military line. Their contributions to the United Kingdom’s history begin in the seventeenth century and continues to the present day. The men and women of Times of Destiny become involved in dangerous situations, and love, romance, and adventure find their way into these people’s lives.
About the Author
Geoff Cumbley was born in the city of Worcester, England, at the beginning of the Second World War. Following his education in the city, he was employed in industry for over a decade before joining the Royal Air Force, with which he served for twenty-two years. Overseas tours broadened his outlook on cultures and showed him landscapes as varied as the Persian Gulf and the Falkland Islands. On leaving the service, he spent more than ten years working in security. He has travelled to the Middle and Far East, the United States and Canada, resorts around the Mediterranean Sea, and the United Kingdom. In his spare time, Cumbley has served on various committees, at times holding the position of chairman. His most rewarding experience was a five-year chairmanship of Breathe Easy, a support network of the British Lung Foundation. Now retired, he resides in Worcester with his wife, Patricia. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.