Follow The Sun

Follow The Sun

Story and Cover Illustration by Mike Poppe

Copyright 2011 by Mike Poppe

Smashwords Edition. Revised January 2022

Follow The Sun is a work of fiction.

This novel is dedicated to my family members, past, present, and future.

Chapter 01.

The last of our family, I was but seventeen when it fell to me, Sean Eaton, to bury my sainted mother. After saying a tearful goodbye, I tossed the last shovel of dirt upon her grave, then looked over this plot of land that the Eatons had called home for six generations. Other than growing the beautiful flowers that my mother had tended with constant attention, it was a poor excuse for a farm. Too small, this plot of land had barely produced enough to feed our own family, much less provide anything to sell.

Katherine Eaton was my mother's name. As all who knew her would agree, she was a woman of beauty, with flaming red hair, and deep emerald green eyes. More than that, she was respected all around county Kerry, as a woman of great kindness. Years of worrying about her husband, too often gone to war, while fearing for the future of her children, had taken it's toll. When my eight year old sister drowned wading in the stream that marked the boundary between our place, and the O'Flynn's, I watched the last remnants of my mother's once invincible spirit crumble right in front of my eyes. A year and a week it was, since that terrible day, that I now stood at the foot of her grave, and wept.

As storm clouds gathered, I looked down the road, my eyes straining, as I prayed to see himself, returning home to take charge. Face to face with a fear I'd never known before, I felt the weight of facing an uncertain future with nary a parent to offer guidance. A shiver ran down my back, as a cold rain began falling from the clouds above. The shower soon exploded into a downpour, soaking me to the skin. Still, I refused to abandon my vigil. Another hour had passed, when at last I turned and once more looked upon my mother's grave. Minutes later, with both tears and raindrops rolling down my face, I straightened my shoulders, stepped inside our humble cottage, then made a tearful commitment to accept the burden fate had now dealt me.

Patrick Eaton was my father. A strong and broad shouldered man, he was. All too often, according to my mother, he'd fought in the service of the French and Spanish armies. With the fighting skills learned in the wars, coupled with his own great strength, my father was a man capable of taking care of himself in any situation. He had learned to expect the unexpected, and knew he could not always be around to protect his family. Towards that end, as I grew older, he spent many hours teaching me self defense, and combat tactics. He himself, had been forced to go to war at an early age, and he wished me to be prepared, should a similar fate befall me.

Many's the time I'd heard him declare, The sad truth is, our family has no future here in Ireland. As things stand, the best we can hope for, will be a never ending fight to avoid starvation. Never had he given up his dream of moving the family to America. It was in the new lands, that he believed we would have a chance for a better life, both for ourselves, and for the generations of Eatons yet to come. Unfortunately, the price for even one of us to cross the formidable Atlantic ocean, was far beyond our means.

By my thirteenth year, I'd been doing a man's work for more than a year. Satisfied that I could keep my mother and sister fed, my father decided to sign on as a crew member on a ship bound for America. The night before he left, he stood before our fireplace, and shared his thoughts. It's a long way to America, much further than any of us have dared travel before. True it is, much can happen, both good and bad, but I'll not quit trying until I feel the the new land under my boots. Once ashore, I shall find a way to earn enough money to return, then bring you all back with me. I'm told it's a land where those who are not afraid of hard work, may prosper. Wrapping his strong arms around my mother, he declared. Sean is a strong young man, with a good head on his shoulders. I've no doubt he will keep you all safe until I can return.

* * *

Four years and two months had passed since the day my mother, sister, and myself, stood on the docks, and watched father's ship sail out of sight. In all that time, we had received only one letter from him, and it written not long after his arrival in the new country. In that one letter, he told us that he'd made it safely to America, but didn't yet have any definite plans. He remained confident that in time, his decision to come to this new land would prove to be the right thing for us all. While Mother told us time and time again, that we must never give up hope that father would return, I knew from my father's stories that no man was invincible. Despite his great strength and experience, it was possible that even himself might have found death in that far off land.

The next morning, now perhaps the last of my family, I stepped from our cottage, having accepted that gone forever, were the days of wishing for himself to return and take command of the future. From this day forth, I alone, must deal with whatever difficulties might lie ahead. As my father had often insisted, to remain here was to face a future with no hope of a better life. One day, I hoped to marry, and have a family of my own. As much as I loved Ireland, poor country that it was, I was determined that any future family of mine would have an opportunity for a better life than was possible here. Still, I could not simply pick up and leave. Even though I had often day dreamed about this land called America, it was little enough I knew about what I'd find there. The truth was, I knew even less, about what must be involved in order to get there. For sure, plans must be made, and a way found to earn the fare needed to board a ship bound for America. That meant asking questions of people who knew far more than myself.

With yesterday's storms replaced by brisk winds, and a bright sunny sky, I spoke a few words over my mother's grave, then started out for town. On foot, the town of Ballyickeen was a good hours journey, and a bit further. It was there I hoped to find at least a few answers to the questions that were heavt on my mind. Questions that seemed to multiply with each step I took. I had cousins in Ballyickeen, and it was my wish to spend a few hours with them before returning home. Little did I know that my decision to make this visit, would alter my future in ways I'd never dreamed possible.

Upon reaching the outskirts of Ballyickeen, never had I been able to resist stealing a few minutes to gaze down upon the waves, as they crashed against the rocks below, while seagulls dove time and time again into the surf. It was a grand sight indeed to see all the ships coming and going, their sails filled with wind. It reminded me of the many times I'd sat on the edge of these very same cliffs, as I dreamed of sailing to well known ports around the world. There were even times when I'd fancied myself commanding a Man O' War, boarding pirate ships, and rescuing beautiful damsels in distress. What grand and exciting dreams they were for a youngster, who had so much yet to learn about the real world.

Entering the town, I saw an elderly man who appeared to be somewhat confused, standing by the door of Lonigan's pub. Suddenly, the door opened, and out stepped a big man, whose fine clothing marked him as either a successful pirate, or a member of Ireland's nobility class. Nothing about the man's cold eyes, or the harsh expression on his face, suggested he might have ever been a sociable or kindly person.

The old man reached out and grabbed the big man by the arm. Sir, might I ask you for a bit of help? It's a stranger I am, and I'd be most grateful if you could direct me to the village of Dunquin.

The man in the expensive clothes tore his arm loose from the grip of the old man, then without saying a word, used a vicious backhand blow, to knock the poor man to his knees.

Standing but an arm's length away, Squire Monahan, called out to the old man. Get up and run man. This is the Earl of Morrison. Best you run, or it's a beating you'll be taking for sure.

Heeding Squire Monohan's warning, the old man, years beyond being able to move quickly, tried to run, but the Earl, evil man that he was, had blood in his eye. Raising his walking stick, he started to deliver a vicious blow to the old man, but to his surprise, he found his wrist held in place by my own strong hand. The Earl was a man used to bullying by use of his position and his own physical strength. However, some said my strength might even equal that of my father. Despite using all of his power, the Earl failed in his attempt to break free of my grasp. When the irate nobleman then tried to punch me with his other fist, I instinctively stepped inside the punch then countered with a blow of my own to his stomach, sending the brute to his knees, as he struggled to breathe.

While a crowd of curious people began to gather, I grabbed the old man, then led him down a familiar alley. I didn't need to be told that I'd found more trouble than I'd ever encountered before. By striking a member of nobility, with nobody of any importance to argue on my behalf, I had most likely signed my own death warrant. But first, I had to take the elderly man to a place of safety. That done, I'd have to go into hiding, and be quick about it, for without a doubt, the Earl would soon have his men searching for me.

Fortunately, my cousin Grady, three years my senior, lived just a few streets away. Maura, Grady's short redheaded wife, and her with a face full of freckles, answered the door. Maura recognized the look of trouble on my face, and quickly invited us inside. As we entered the simple but spotless living room, Grady rose to greet us.

Come in Sean, and you'll be bringing your friend with you, of course.

With the old man by my side, I replied, Cousin O' Mine, I've brought trouble to your peaceful home. As I kept watch out the window, I quickly explained what had transpired.

Aye Sean, if ever a man brought himself trouble, it's you, Grady replied. The Earl of Morrison is an evil man, with not an ounce of forgiveness nor understanding in his evil heart. You are always welcome in this house, but I suspect his men will soon be searching every building in town.

Grady, you've a fine family. I'll not be putting them in harm's way. Can you get this gentleman out of town, and to the town of Dunquin? Once there, with a bit of luck, he will never again cross paths with the Earl. Meanwhile, I'll make my own way to the cliffs and hide in the cave near the old ruins. You'll be remembering it?

Looking out the window as he checked for sign of the Earl's men, Grady answered, Aye, Sean. I remember it well. You be on your way now, and I'll see to it that this fellow makes it to Father O'Hannlon. He looks with disfavor upon the Earl, and it will give the good priest a bit of joy to remove this man from his clutches. Once it's dark, I'll bring you food and whatever news of the Earl's men I can gather. Now best you be on your way.

There's a time to talk, and a time to act, and this was a time to act. Wasting neither time nor words, I grabbed a potato and a hunk of bread off the table, both baked by Maura's own skilled hands, then out the back door, and into the alley I went. From there, I raced through a nearby garden, then bending low, made my way behind a rock wall that ended at the edge of town. Two hundred yards and perhaps fifty more it was, from the end of the rock wall, to a path that led to a small river. I had only to follow that fast moving stream until it reached the cliffs. From there, it was but a short climb to the cave that I hoped would provide safety from the Earl's men, who by now, were surely on a killing mission.

Moving patiently, I took advantage of each piece of cover as I followed the river almost to the cliffs, then walked north until the landmark I sought came into view. Carefully working among the ledges, and boulders, I moved with patience, until I found the place I was seeking.

My father had discovered this cave many years before, and always it had remained a family secret in case we were invaded by another country. The entrance to the cave was impossible to see from the top of the cliffs, and only someone already aware of it's presence would ever see it from the sea. That said, my father hadn't raised a fool to be entering a cave without carefully checking to be sure it was not occupied. All the hiding spots were well known to me, so it took little time at all, to make sure the cave was indeed empty.

Until Grady came with news of the situation, there wasn't much to do. This was no time for impatience. I appeased my hunger with the potato and bread from Grady's house. My thirst would have to wait until dark. Then it would be a climb back up to the top, and a short walk to a nearby church. The well in the church yard had quenched my thirst before, and with any luck, would do so again tonight.

My father's oft repeated words were in my mind. Rest and sleep when you can, for you never know when you may have to do without both for a very long time.

With that in mind, I piled up several rocks in a dark place just inside the cave entrance, where any intruder would knock them over and sound a warning. Having done all I could for the moment, I went back into the darkest part of the cave and as a safeguard, slept with a rock in my hand.

Chapter 02.

By my best guess, the sun had been down for a couple of hours when from the entrance of the cave, I heard Grady quietly announce his arrival. He'd brought food and candles, so we moved to a bend in the cave, where the light would not be seen by any passing ships below. As I savored the taste of Maura's cooking, Grady brought me up to date on the situation with the Earl.

Sean, it's a major bit of trouble you've bought for yourself. You must get far away from here and do it quickly. Normally most of the people around here would be eager to help someone in trouble with the authorities. This however, is a different kettle of fish. What you did to the Earl is something he, blast his hide, will not soon be forgetting. His men are searching everywhere, with orders to bring back your head. Evil man that he is, the Earl has made his boast that he will post your head in the town square, as a warning to anyone who might dare stand against him in the future. To be sure, you have the sympathy of most of the people, but this time, you can expect nothing more from them. The Earl has offered a very large reward to anyone who gives information about where you might be found. As you know, the people of Ballyickeen are poor Sean, very poor. The reward he's offering is more than many of these people could earn in a lifetime. Other than family, there's nobody you dare trust. Then Grady's lips curled in a smile. Aye lad, perhaps, not even me. A man could be tempted to join the devil himself by that much money.

Well, cousin of mine, I answered, If I'm to be betrayed, better the Earl's money goes to my family than to a stranger.

I'd said it as a joke, and well he knew it. Grady would no more betray me than would I him. Grady, your advice to leave this part of the country falls on eager ears. In fact, my father's desire to move us to America has been heavy on my mind. Perhaps fate has given me this chance to follow his dream. At any rate, that's what I'm now about. I must find a ship bound for America, and somehow find a way to get on board.

Grady reached out and gripped my shoulder. Sean, I had a feeling that might be what you had in mind. I work a few days on the docks loading ships when they need extra help. There is a ship at the dock now, that will be leaving for Boston in the morning. It's called The Emerald Breeze. Normally I could arrange for one of the watch standers to look the other way while you went aboard, but with the Earl's reward on everybody's mind, that's far too risky. For sure, you'll be needing a distraction to draw their attention away from that ship. Fortunately, I'm just the man to provide it. After that, it will be up to you.

We agreed that a few hours after midnight, when the guard would be fighting off sleep, would be my best chance to get on board undetected. As we waited for time to pass, we went over the plan again and again, searching for situations we might have overlooked, then deciding on how we might deal with them.

At last, it was time to go. Shaking Grady's hand, I said, My love to your beautiful wife. And you should know that I will never forget what you've done for me. When it will be, I don't know, but when I'm settled in America, I will write and let you know where I am, and how I have fared. If things turn out well, I will always have a place for you and your family.

"Many thanks Sean, but I'm afraid America is not in my future. My wife's family is all about her here, and while she would go if I insisted, it would be a miserable woman indeed, that I'd have for the rest of