Читать книгу Theopolda's Quest - Linda Wisely - Страница 6

May 1st finally arrived. Theo put on her new white chemise that Fhi had made to be worn under her dress. It had narrow blue stripes and a dark blue satin ribbon which she tied in a small bow in the front. She slipped on her new, dark red kirtle (long sleeveless dress) over the chemise. The dress settled down to her feet that were encased in soft black leather boots. As an afterthought, she tucked her precious compass into her bodice so that it couldn't be seen. Over her traveling clothes, she donned the red velvet cape, which was the last thing Fhi had sewn for Theo's trip. She felt very regal in such finery.

Each of the group was only allowed to pack a bag that was small enough to carry on the back of a horse, as that was the mode in which they would travel across Italy after landing at Naples from Sicily. Theo folded her second new white blouse which had big loose sleeves, a full green skirt that she would wear when riding, and a laced bodice to wear over her chemise above the skirt, neatly into the bag. She stuffed her underthings on one side of the bag and her small crossbow on the other. After finishing her packing, she ran joyfully down to join the others.

With tearful goodbyes, they got into the small skiff that would take them to the supply ship. The little boat rocked precariously as each stepped in and sat on one of the benches that ran across the middle. As the skiff began to move away from the rocky beach, Theo's stomach fluttered in fear and she gripped the sides so tightly her fists were white. She had never been in a boat on the water. This was such a tiny boat, and the waves were lapping hungrily on the sides.

"Don't ye be afraid, Signorina," the oarsman told her. "I've done this a thousand times and never dumped anybody into the water yet."

Everyone laughed, and Theo felt a little more confident. Will and Sagan were talking about the voyage. Their voices were raised in excitement. Will was pointing at the ship.

Climbing the rope ladder to board the supply ship was a challenge in her long skirts. Finally they were all on board, and the ship's sails filled with wind. It was just a two hour trip to the coast of Sicily, where they would disembark at Palermo.

While standing on the deck of their ship, Theo's heart began to race. She had been fearful about leaving everything that was familiar to her, but now a new excitement was growing inside of her. This is it, the beginning of my adventure, my quest to find out about my mother, what I will do with my life, and what God's will is for me.

As the brisk sea air blew a strand of hair across her face, she stood looking across the beautiful blue Mediterranean Sea. Deep in thought, she braced her feet on the deck to keep from falling with each swell of the waves.

"I am ready Lord, show me what you will," she said into the wind. A tiny waif of a girl, some might overlook her, except for her exceptional beauty and brave attitude.

"Dear Lord, help me to not let anyone down, to be strong, diligent, and ever kind and loving. Most of all Lord, please keep us safe. Help me to become all that you want me to be," Theo prayed silently.

Brother Justus watched Theopolda at the rail of the ship, ever careful for her safety. He wondered what was going through her mind that brought such a serious expression to her face. His fervent hope was that she would be able to recognize her destiny when the appointed time came.

Their plan was to see a few sights and stay the night at the St. Mary's of the Admiral Monastery in Palermo. Brother Justus knew the Abbot Pietro Magnalinni well. The monastery was known for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics of religious scenes. Brother Justus was anxious to show these to Theo, Will, and Sagan.

When they finally arrived at Palermo, Theo was awed by the beautiful mountains surrounding the harbor. One dark mountain stood above the rest with what appeared to be smoke coming out of its peak.

"Is that mountain smoking?" Theo exclaimed.

"Yes, that is Mt. Etna. It is a live volcano, though it hasn't erupted for over 100 years. It is about 200 miles from Palermo. You will be able to see it from most places on the island because it is the highest peak. Those who live closer can also hear its rumbles," Brother Justus told her, as they walked down the gangplank.

"I don't think I'd want to live that close," Will commented.

"Me either," said Sagan, "and I really wouldn't want to be here when it is erupting." Everyone laughed.