The Well of Souls: Mickey Linton Man of Great Substance

By M. Linton

A story of a life well lived—a man who grew to manhood believing he was an Irish Catholic, but in fact was a German Jew. His story is told around his many achievements. It is not a pretty story; there is murder, adultery, rape of an innocent, and his struggle when he went to Sydney to become an SP bookie where he just managed to stay above the violent criminal element that ruled the city will keep you turning pages. But through it all, it was his lifelong search for his Jewish father and his almost frenetic wish for a son of his own that almost broke his spirit, sending him on a downward destructive path into alcoholism and cruelty.

Then the Second World War erupted, and he found himself in the most terrifying and brutal encounter he had ever witnessed. But it also gave him a love that was all-consuming—a love story that will break the reader’s heart—as he struggled with the concept of loving two women, a situation that placed him in a no-win situation. But he was a soldier of war, and he covered himself with glory in the hot, arid deserts of North Africa, where he became a hero of sorts. But nothing is easy in life, least of all war; and he soon found himself fighting every day just to stay alive to hopefully return to his love. But again, tragedy strikes at him viciously, almost destroying his sanity. He struggles against the terrifying concept of being placed in a lunatic asylum for the insane, but help arrives for him in the form of a young American doctor; and he is returned to a semblance of sanity. He is repatriated back to Australia to try desperately to resume his life with his family while his heart lies with his lost love, buried beneath a gnarled old apricot tree somewhere on the island of Crete.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Nov 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984503558

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

ALL HER HOPES AND DREAMS LAY IN DISSARAY

ON THE FLOOR OF THAT STORM WRECKED BARN.

Adeline woke with a start, the fierceness and ferocity of the raging storm had put fear into her, the force of the wind as it roared up the valley towards the homestead was all consuming, threatening to destroy everything in its path, the noise generating from it was only second to the thunderstorms that had raged consistently all day, the lightning strikes so out of control they lit up the whole valley and surrounding mountains, all she could pray for now was that one of these powerful strikes would not start a fire in the mountain to her right and burn out of control for she knew with the help of the marauding wind it would tear down the mountain towards them and destroy everything for miles around. She covered her ears with her hands in the hope she could block out the noise surrounding the house.

Her body was tired to the point of exhaustion, all day she had worked tirelessly trying to secure everything that may become a projectile once the full force of the storm hit, earlier as she surveyed the valley away to the south she toyed with the idea of loading up the dray and letting her old Clydesdale take them to the relative safety of her parents’ home in Hobart to ride out the storm, but she had hesitated too long and the window of opportunity closed, now all she could do was pray they would all survive unscathed.

Thinking of the two horses she knew they would be safe, she had stabled them securely in their stalls in the barn along with the two best milking cows the two sheep dogs and the laying hens housed in the chicken coup were locked up for the night, her old dog Shazam was in the house sleeping peacefully by the side of the wood range warm as toast.

All the other livestock on the farm unfortunately were on their own, they must fend for themselves and somehow try and keep safe during this wild night, the only thing troubling her were the Merino rams, they were her husband Roberts pride and joy he had been living for the day when he would have a large flock to be able to sell to other farmers for breeding purposes, but for now she had done her best, she was a woman alone on the farm with three young children and eight months pregnant to boot.

Her unborn baby snuggled safe within her womb was beginning to move forcibly within her, making it uncomfortable for her to rest, maybe it was reacting to the stress she herself was feeling or maybe because the birth was fairly eminent it was merely stretching it’s legs, whatever she placed her hand on her belly rubbing gently trying to communicate to it that all was well, but this had little effect the babe continued to do somersaults within her, she now knew rest tonight for either of them would probably be out of the question.

Going to the window she peered into the pitch blackness, what she thought she was going to be able to see she didn’t know, however she was keeping an eye on the mountains making sure any fire small as it might be, had not materialised.

She was picturing in her mind the strong Ironbark Eucalyptus trees that almost surrounded the homestead, they had been there for well over a hundred years she knew they would withstand the big blow that was waging war upon them, certainly, didn’t want to think of the consequences if one of them may give up the ghost and fall towards the homestead. Quickly she uttered a small prayer and put those thoughts out of her head, no good worrying about things she could not control all she could do was keep her and the children safe within the house.

As her eyes encountered the lightning strike before her she knew somehow this storm was different, it was not your usual big blow, but something larger more widespread.

She had watched it build from the south for three days, threatening to come then fading away, almost as though it had been playing games with her, but now it had hit with a vengeance she had never in the ten or so years she had lived here encountered one of this magnitude its fierceness was frightening, most certainly it had emulated from deep in the great Southern Ocean way down to the South. She could now do nothing more than pray for anyone caught unaware in its furious path.

Tucked away safely in her sturdy homestead her thoughts were now for her husband Robert, where he was she could only guess, but she prayed it was far away from this storm, he had been away more than eight months, he was the Captain of a sailing vessel and was bringing a load of Merino Rams back for a client.

She knew through her Father that he had been held up in Western Australia, she prayed it was still the case, for the trip across the Great Australian bite would be extremely dangerous if he was caught in this storm, her heart began to beat wildly as the possibilities began to crowd her brain, somehow she must try and think positive, just then a thunder clap hit the very roof of the house, she screamed with fright her heart almost leaping into her throat the child within her also reacting to her fright by turning quickly almost as though it had been hit by an unknown force, her prayers were now coming rapidly not knowing what to ask of her God or who to pray for.

The three children were now in her room, clutching at her screaming with fright with the loudness of the thunder that had awakened them begging to be able to sleep with her, her young son Robbie, his eyes as big as saucers pleading with her to make the wind stop, for like herself, he also was afraid of the wind.

She gathered him to her making soothing noises to comfort him, this was her golden boy, she loved him with some unknown passion, almost without reason would do anything to take away his fright, but she could do nothing she was at a loss to know how to soothe his fears all she could do was talk to him with words of comfort, hush child it will soon be over.

She now knew they needed a distraction, tell you what, why don’t we all go to the kitchen for hot Cocoa?

Together they all made their way towards the kitchen, the house was dark but with the help of the hurricane lamp they soon found themselves in the warmth and comfort of this, their favourite room, the hub of the house the large stove burning day and night giving continual warmth to this large cold farmhouse.

Within minutes they were all drinking their cocoa and had settled comfortably on the large couch covered with blankets, at last she gave a sigh of relief they had finished the drink and were now settling down to try and get some sleep. She went to the wicker rocking chair by the fire and sat contentedly watching them as she rocked two and fro, the gentle rocking of the old chair seemed to relax the babe within her for it also seemed settled, she was enjoying this quiet time,

Unfortunately this period of peace didn’t last long, just as her eyes closed for some much needed sleep, another clap of thunder came to torment her, this time so ferocious that cups and plates rattled on the shelf with the force of the strike, sending the resting children again into panic mode, how was she ever going to get through this night ?she had no idea, but again with soothing words she managed to soothe them.

All was again quiet, but for Adeline there would be now no sleep, her mind was now firmly on her husband and where on this Gods’ Earth he might be, she being a Catholic girl her first thought went to prayer, firstly she asked St. Christopher, patron saints of travellers, to care for him, then she turned to her God imploring his love and protection to be awarded to Robert this night.

With nothing more she could do, her mind went to that awful day they had parted on such bad terms, he storming out of the house leaving behind the seed of his unborn child deep within her body, how she wished she could have that one day back again, how very differently she would have behaved, how she would have told him how very much he was loved and needed but she had been headstrong, not listening to him thinking only of herself and her needs never once considering how very much he had needed her, and how she had turned from him leaving him no option but to angrily take what he needed from her by force. She almost felt feverish when she thought of that day, but now it must be put behind them she must look to a happy future with him and her family, nothing else would ever satisfy her ever being able to make her whole life again.

Adeline, you are on your own, your God’s are not listening, this storm and all its related tragedies will unfold before you, the consequence’s will be catastrophic for everyone effected, but none more than you. Your life as you know it will be changed forever…………

She closed her eyes in the hope she may fall asleep, she felt her boy’s head on her lap he was kneeling beside the rocker at her feet, absently she rubbed his head, he put his small hand on her swollen tummy, he knew this was where his longed for little brother slept, he was rewarded by a slight movement of the babe, almost acknowledging the bond that already existed between them, then the most amazing thing, all night she had been giving them comfort trying to waylay their fears and here was her Golden Boy gazing up at her his beautiful violet eyes on her telling her, don’t be afraid Ma, God will help us, he will protect us. In the light of everything that was happening outside and how very frightened she was, here was he, her boy giving her comfort, in his innocence he was giving her the faith of his God, knowing that what he learned at mass on Sundays was correct, that if whatever you asked from God he would provide! She took his small hand and put it to her lips, he continuing to stroke the place where his brother lived.

They both fell asleep, the boy dreaming of his pa Shameus, remembering what he always told him. Be not afraid boy, for if your heart is pure, Almighty God will grant you protection, he will hold you up high lest you stub your toe, and when you tire of the long walk he will carry you, so laddie, never be afraid to ask for his help the boy loved his Pa, but of all the people he loved it was his Da best of all, it was he alone, that held the strings of his young heart.

This young boy was neither old or experienced enough to know, that not everything you ask from God will be awarded to you, rather the God’s will give you what they think fit, and as he grows to manhood he will learn also that the teachings of the church are like threads of silk, fine and weak and can break at any time, leaving you to wonder if your faith in your God was warranted or if faith is just an illusion!…………….

How long they were awarded quiet sleep she was not aware, the crash that woke her was so loud, so frightening that she thought she was screaming, then realised it was Robbie, he had become hysterical, quickly she was on her feet grabbing the boy and holding him to her, she herself knowing she must stay calm and focused for the girls were also now awake and clearly upset.

She took the boy back to the couch with his sisters and the dog and went to the window, what she hoped to see she had no idea but she knew whatever had happened was catastrophic, for along with the noise she had heard a ripping sound, she turned her head to listen maybe her keen hearing would give her the insight into where the noise had originated from, but she could hear nothing over the screams of the boy, she turned on him angrily for God’s sake lad, stop that infernal noise so I may listen as soon as the words were out, she was sorry, she should have been more understanding of their fright, she went to him and cradled his young head to her trying to stifle his screams, now he was simply whimpering and sniffling trying to be brave as the tears fell unchecked down his small white face.

Then without warning they heard an almighty crash, so loud it reverberated within the walls of the house, her heart flew into her mouth as she thought that maybe the side of the house had been hit by one of the trees that the storm had dislodged.

She stood silent listening, it was then they heard her dog begin to bark loudly and going to the door began to scratch at it, then she heard barking from outside, she opened the door and was almost knocked down by the flurry of chickens and dogs, all wanting to get in from the storm, the hens were everywhere trying desperately to roost on anything they could, the dogs just stood looking at them, if it had not been so serious, she would have laughed at the sight before her, but this was no laughing matter, for now she knew it was the barn that had been hit by something, and of course she knew whatever had hit it had wreaked havoc for the dogs and chickens to be loose, her thoughts went to the horses and the cows, God what was she to do, everything inside her was telling her to stay within the safety of the house but her instincts told her something was terribly wrong and somehow she must go and see what that problem was.

She went to the cupboard and took out her coat and gum boots, within a moment the boy was beside her, dragging at her legs, yelling for her not to go out, but she roughly took his arm and took him to the couch him to the couch, almost throwing him at his elder sister Milly, telling her. Hold on to him and don’t let him out of your site until I get back……. Understand! the frightened girl simply nodded, could not understand why her Mother was leaving them to go into the storm, but she said nothing, she could see it would be no use trying to divert her Mother from just what it was she thought she could do.

Just as she got to the door the boy was again at her side, she leaned down and told him

Robbie love, please understand, something is wrong I the barn and I must go and check, now you be a good laddie and stay with the girls, but the young feisty boy stood his ground, yelling at her No ma I’m coming with you something in her snapped, this day had been far too long far too tiring far too demanding of her, he drew back her hand and slapped the boy hard across the head. You will do as I say and stay with the girls ………understand? he didn’t reply just ran to the couch and hid his tear streaked face, his Ma had never before raised her hand to him, he was lost in the moment.

She collected two Hurricane lamps and put them under her coat knowing they would not withstand the force of the wind, she would relight them once she got into the barn, she set off not really sure exactly which way she should go, so she stuck close to the row of trees that were taking a belting but thought it better to have some shelter than being in the open ground, where a missile in the dark could strike her and kill her.

Finally, she was at the barn, the door was wide open, the wind causing havoc as it raced around, the straw from the hen house flying everywhere.

She found a seat in the chicken coop and sat down, she was near to tears, how she had survived that walk from the house she would never know, it had been terrifying, many times she had felt things flying past her how she had arrived safely from that ordeal she would never know, she had felt things flying past her, thankfully none had hit her she was thankful to at last be inside the barn, but her nerves were on edge and her heart was racing furiously within her chest

She must now get some light, going to a cupboard she retrieved she some match sticks to relight the lamps, at first, she had no luck, but soon after much perseverance the wicks sprang into life, at last she had light. Holding the lamps high above her head she surveyed the barn, she gasped as she saw the damage to the side of the barn adjacent to the stables, a large limb had torn away from the main tree and come crashing down not only putting a gaping hole in the side but also taking off almost a quarter of the roof line allowing the rain to come down freely.

Her first thoughts were to get the horses to a more secure position, holding the lamp higher she went towards the stable, then the most frustrating the lamp blew out God she would have to go back and get the second lamp as she began to move she heard a noise it stopped her in her tracks, fright of the unknown overtook her, what had made such a pain filled noise, he listened again trying to judge where it had come from, then the noise again this time a moan rather than just a noise, her heart began to race, whatever had made that noise was in mortal danger it had been filled with indescribable pain and suffering her thoughts at once went to the horses, her reaction so anxious her heart began to race, then her baby catching her fright began to move restlessly within her, the wind was so strong it was threatening to blow her off her feet, she somehow made it back to the chicken coup to gather the other lamp and relight her own, now she had more light she was able to make her way back unhindered by obstacles, she was now hurrying wanting to find out just what was making that terrible noise, she was now nervous, what could it be, could it be a Tasmanian Devil that had been injured and had sought refuge in the barn for she knew their noise knew it was both a mournful and sorrowful one, she must be careful for this was one creature she didn’t want to encounter on this dark night, she crouched down trying to listen above the wind, then it came again her skin began to crawl with the unknown, turning she knew she must get out of there fast, for that sound had momentarily stopped her heart, never before had she heard a sound so filled with suffering and pain, God could it be a human sound, could someone have been injured and sought refuge in the barn? She now had her bearings again headed for the stables first she must check on the horses then get the hell out of there.

Once there she held the lamp high above her head looking down, for one indefinable moment she froze, the baby within her reacting also to the shock of what her eyes were seeing turned a full somersault within its protective cavity, she gasped and held her stomach, her eyes glued on the horrifying sight before her.

Bessie her beautiful Clydesdale horse, her treasured companion, this horse a gift from her Husband to give her the freedom of travel when he was away at sea, was laying there in front of her mortally wounded, the wind seemingly laughing at its discomfort as it continued to throw rubbish over her injured body.

The horse was lying on its side, a large leafy portion of a smaller branch that had broken free from the main one was slightly covering her, almost as though it was trying to shield her injuries from prying eyes as the horse struggled with its inevitable death.

Adeline approached the stricken horse carefully taking in the full extent of the horse’s plight and injuries. A large branch had randomly cut loose its sharp wood acting like a spear as it cut a swathe up through the stricken horse, going in somewhere near the soft inner thigh and coming out through the shoulder blade, but it was not the entry or exit that had done the damage it was the unrepairable damage it had caused on its journey, the bowel had been pierced spewing its contents everywhere, it had also cut a swathe through the soft chest area doing untold damage to the heart, blood and matter were everywhere on the surrounding floor.

Adeline again heard herself scream, the shock and horror before her almost caused her to faint, somehow she must try for sanity sake to drag her eyes away, but then she caught site of the horses eyes, it was looking at her, she dropped to her knees and cradled its head, then again that sound again, she vomited adding more mess to this utterly disgusting place of death, at once she knew what must be done, she had seen the raw agony in her horses eyes, tears sprang to her own, she squeezed them tight not letting them fall. Bessie deserved more than her tears of pity.

Silently she began the slow walk back to the chicken coup, she went to get the gun, the one Robert always kept there hidden and loaded ready to stop any marauding animal or human that may be intent on doing them harm, she pulled it from its hiding place, it was so heavy it dropped to the floor at her feet, how was she going to get it and the lamp back to the horse, holding the lamp high in front of her she began the painstaking task of dragging the gun along behind her, when she was halfway back, her baby again began to protest, turning violently within her, so forceful, it took her breath away, she rubbed her tummy gently in an act of trying to quieten it, saying quietly Be patient little one its almost over she then smiled knowing this one as he grew to manhood, would never be taken for granted, would always want to be heard.

As she got closer to the horse she saw the form of her young son kneeling over the head of the horse, listening she heard the boy trying to comfort the dying animal, her first impulse was to shout at him for disobeying her, in an instant he was on his feet running to her and hugging her legs and kissing her swollen tummy, she bent and kissed his head, together they went to the horse, his eyes then fell on the gun and realisation hit him he began to remonstrate with her with flaying fists and pain filled intensity.

No ma, no not Bessie…………not Bessie I love her. she held him tight until he quietened down then taking his head she turned it towards the stricken horse. Yes Robbie, yes, we are all she has to help her, you must somehow try to understand, I must do this, surely you can see how much pain she is in Laddie.

The horse seeming to understand the conflict between Mother and Son gave a low mournful moan, within a second, he was on his feet helping her drag the gun the rest of the way, placing it between the horse’s eyes they pulled hard on the trigger, brain matter and blood spurted everywhere while the sound joining with the sounds of the boys screaming went reverberating around the cold dirty barn. Adeline standing as though dumbfounded gazed at the gaping hole in her beloved horses head. She also began to scream Mother and Son falling to the ground together somehow trying to put this horrific episode from their minds and hearts, the only sound coming from her son as he implored his God to please make the wind stop.

Robbie Sorry, but this wind is not finished with you yet, for this is not the only place where it is wreaking havoc, your own father is locked in a fight to the death also somewhere in the Southern Ocean off the Coastline of South Australia, no more dangerous place to be at sea in an old wooden sailing ship, when a storm of this magnitude hits………………

Mother and son lay on the blood soaked floor frozen to the bone, it had seemed like hours since she had managed to console him but now she knew they must move, somehow they must get back to the house and the girls for she was also fearful now of what effect this was all having on her unborn child Robbie had his face turned towards her belly feeling the movement of his little brother, this for him was a surreal moment one he would remember all his life as he made unseen contact with the babe in his Mothers womb.

CHAPTER TWO

THE BARN OF SORROWS AND DEATH.

She now knew they had to move, she was soaked to the skin, and ice cold with the sleety rain that had come in through the open roof cavity, soaking them as they lay huddled on the dirty floor.

Some-how they must get back to the warmth of the house, afraid for the welfare of both her Son and her unborn child, they got to their feet and walked unsteadily towards the door, then she remembered Blackie her husband’s horse, she had heard nothing from him maybe he was dead or lay injured also, she turned back but her boy held her tight saying. No ma please let’s just g, . although she heard the heartache in his young voice she must go back and check on the other horse, knowing, her husband would want her too

She became aware of the horse’s jet black eyes staring at her before she reached the stall, again shock registered with her as she saw he was also pinned down but unlike Bessie he was uninjured, he was being restrained also by a limb that now lay across his back pinning him on his knees against the floor, the sweat on his coat told her he had been struggling to dislodge it and free himself, but sadly to no avail, as they got nearer he began to struggle whinnying loudly, thankfully the ironbark railing had saved him from a fate like Bessie the only thing hurt was his pride in not being able to free himself.

Robbie ran to his side climbing on the railings beside the horse his Ma screamed at him to get down fearful the horse may lash out and strike him, but he didn’t, the boy knew this horse would never hurt him, he loved this horse. His favourite memories were of the times when together with his Da they would ride together on his back to inspect the property. His small heart was beating wildly as he didn’t know how to help the horse.

Adeline was full of indecision, she knew she must do something to try and set the animal free, but what? She also knew her strength and resolve were failing her fast, she looked around to try and find a lever to use, her eyes fell on a long piece of wood something that had broken away from the main branch, she picked it up and placed it under the larger branch holding the horse captive but it was useless it broke under her weight.

Going back to the chicken coup she looked around desperate to find anything she may be able to use her eye fell on a post hole digger, she dragged it back to the stall but could not lift it up over the railing, frustrated she called it a day, gathering the boy to her she turned away heading for the door, but her son held her back. Please Ma try again we must help Blackie for Dad’s sake.

Adeline looked back at the horse, his jet-black eyes boring into her almost challenging her to help him, in that one instant she thought of her Husband and the two became one, somehow if she abandoned the horse she may very well be doing the same to her Husband. Her mind was racing, help the horse and, somehow she may be helping her Husband, the dye was cast she would free the horse whatever the cost, this was to be a decision she would regret all her life.

She went to Robbie and told him he must go to the house and fetch the girls, everyone would have to help if they were to be successful, he was away like the wind not even stopping for a lamp but then a lamp would have been useless in the wind, no he was on his own in the dark, but he had no fear, his Ma needed help and he would deliver it to her, by some miracle he arrived back at the house unscathed.

Adeline was now all business again, and again she tried various things to lift the branch all to no avail, her main concern now was her Son what had she been thinking to send him into the storm, she must have been half crazy to put his life in danger like that, she stood patiently waiting for their help when she felt a soft nuzzle on her hand, looking down she saw the soft face of her faith full old dog Shazam, she was filled with joy for it meant that Robbie had reached the house unscathed, she felt like shouting for joy, she bent down and hugged the dog saying only Good dog.

While she sat waiting she was remembering fondly the day Robert had bought this bundle of fur home, as usual he had been at sea for months, as he alighted from his horse she threw herself into his arms, he backed away quickly.

Whoa lassie, you don’t want to go hurting this precious surprise I have for you. He then retrieved the bundle of fur from inside his jacket and gave it to her, she kissed and cuddled the small dog who returned this love by licking her face all over, from that moment it had been a labour of love for these two, he was her constant companion, on the many occasions Robert was at sea he would sleep at the side of her bed, always ready and willing to defend her to the death if the need ever arose.

The time was slipping by she began to shiver with the intense cold. God where were the children surely they should be back by now, she determined she could wait no longer, she found a larger branch and put it under the troublesome one she heaved into the stall and lifted to try and dislodge it, but still nothing, she now had to try something else, but it would mean getting into the stall with the frightened horse, but it must be done, carefully she climbed in and patted the horses rump to let it know she was there, then she put her shoulder farther up the branch and lifted again and again with little response, then she tried again, she began to pant with the effort, and her baby was very stressed, the efforts taking its toll on both of them, she got out of the stall and sat down for a moment, hoping this rest would settle the child within her, but it continued to be very active, again she ran her hands over her large stomach telling it, Just be patient a little while longer little one we are nearly finished here and then we can both rest, the child reacted by almost doing somersaults within her.

Sadly Adeline no rest will be afforded you here this dark night, your resolve will be tested to the limit, only when this is played out will you be able to rest, but the horror that is played out will leave you shattered as you struggle to pick up the pieces of you shattered your life and move forward, but the agony you will endure will stay with you forever…………..

Again she went back to the chicken coup desperate to find the right instrument that would enable her to lift the stubborn branch from the horse’s back, the lamp was flickering threatening to go out as the wind whipped around her, she then saw the long iron lever that was used to help lift any tractor that got bogged, God, how could she have missed It? Hurrying over she grabbed at it like a swimmer grabbing for anything that may help keep them afloat, she placed the lamp on the floor and grabbed it with both hands, God, it was so heavy she couldn’t carry it, she would have to drag it back to the horse’s stall, again she cried out for help, where were the blasted children? Then the thought crossed her mind that they may have ran into trouble on the way over her heart began to beat wildly with fright, in the dark she tripped over an object and the iron lever fell from her hands, she shouted an obscenity into the wind and fell to her knees frustrated, sorely weakened by her failing strength.

She resorted to prayer calling on her God to help her to give her the strength to free the horse she prayed fervently.

Please God give me strength and direction, I am lost and beaten, please do not forsake me, I know you can help me.

Sadly, only stony silence from her God…………

She walked back to the horse defeated, there was nothing more she could do without help, she was helpless, she patted the horses head and calling her dog to her side began to walk away, the horse reacted violently as though it knew it was being abandoned, it tried to kick violently with its hind legs, it turned its eyes to her almost pleading to be freed. At once she had a premonition of danger, and knew whatever the cost she must try and save Roberts’ horse the two had become entangled in her mind by saving one she would save the other, but at what cost.?

It was then she heard the commotion at the door of the barn and the children ran to her all trying to talk at once, the girls had been crying. Milly was a wreck her long silvery blond hair matted with mud, she stood shivering in her light dress and cardigan.no coat, no shoes. Adeline glanced at the boy, saw the stubborn tilt of his chin so like his Da, he must have put up a good fight to get them here. It would be months later when this night would be only a memory, but one that would leave a terrible scar on all their lives that she would learn of the drama that had taken place in the house as the boy tried desperately to get his sisters to go to the barn, their fear of going out into that storm driven night rooting them to the safety of the house, but at last they agreed to follow him into the dark unknown, he heaved a sigh of relief, he had won!

Adeline shouted at them to go to the chicken coop and get some warm coats and gum boots, anything to guard them from the freezing cold rain and wind that permeated every inch of this broken barn

All four were now hard at work, desperately trying to lift the heavy iron lever up to the iron rail guard and into position, finally, after many frustrating attempts they managed to secure it under the heavy limb of wood, now came the hard part, having enough collective strength to try and lift it high enough for the horse to be freed.

It proved to be a backbreaking exercise in futility, the bloody thing would only move an inch or so, she looked across at the children and saw they were exhausted, they stood rooted to the spot listening to their Mother swearing her head off, never had they heard such language from her, or for that matter, anyone, not even their Da when he was angry or frustrated, the girls began to giggle putting their hands to their mouths to try and hide the laughter, the boy explode shut up you stupid things, can’t you see Mum’s upset? tears of frustration and worry for his Mum overtook him he ran towards the chicken coup to hide his own fear.

Adeline knew her baby was troubled, it was unusually quiet within her, but she reasoned maybe it was also tired but she must get this done once and for all then, she promised the child silently that then it could rest and grow strong waiting for the time of its birth.

Again they all began to try and heave the limb from the horse, time and time again she heaved with all her might feeling at last they may be succeeding for now the branch had moved far enough to allow the horse to move slightly if only she could lift it high enough to allow the horse to get some leverage with its own feet then the limb would fall away, another ten minutes and still no luck she now knew she would again have to get into the stall with the horse and lift with her back, she cautioned the children to get away from the stall knowing that once the horse was free she had no idea where it would run to or which way, her young Son implored her not to go into the stall but she silenced him with a wave of her hand.

Cautiously she climbed into the stall the horse was still as a statue, somehow knowing she was trying to help. Once inside she put her back under the iron bar and lifted, she felt it give, but this exertion had also hurt her baby it turned within her, now she was worried, she only had one more try, then she would have to care for the small being within her, trusting her to bring it into the World unscathed, she implored the child to hang on just a little longer she whispered, but her words had now fallen on deaf ears the baby had succumbed to the tragedy of the night, another victim on this night of evil and mayhem, again she prayed to her God for help. "please God let this accursed night be over.

Too late Adeline to ask for Gods’ help, the God’s are busy, there will be no help awarded you this stormy night, dark spirits are at work causing mayhem and destruction, as they drive this night to an eventual outcome of destruction and terror. Evil lurking everywhere ready to snare the unwary and foolish………………

Time and again she lifted until her back was sore and bruised, but she now felt the horse move beside her, somehow, he had managed to get his front feet to an upright position, she wanted to shout for joy, she was filled with the determination of finishing the job, she lifted again with her back, higher and higher she felt the branch move then it crashed to the ground at the side of the stall, the horse reacted at once he was up on his hind legs flaying around with his front legs, she was both elated and scared, fearful it may turn on her in fury, but then it raced away towards the hole in the wall, pausing just once to look back at her, she saw its black eyes shining in the darkness then it gave a loud whinny and it was away…. away from that broken barn and all that had held it captive, he was free, never again to ever feel the weight of a man on its back, it was free to roam the valleys and hills wherever it wanted to roam, it would only return to this farm occasionally, to stand guard over the man and the small boy he had loved.

Adeline removed herself from the stall but she was exhausted, a pain was beginning to creep around her back and into her stomach, she felt at once bitterly cold, her boy ran to her hugging her legs, she put her hand to his head and rubbed it lovingly, she was too exhausted to speak, she heard the boy imploring her to move towards the door and make their way to the house but then that pain again, she grabbed at her stomach, he had her hand wanting to pull her forward, but she knew she must rest, the pain was now almost all over her, she managed to speak. Please laddie let me rest just for a moment, she then slipped to the ground where she lay prostrate, the cruel wind whipping up straw and dirt to cover her, the boy lay beside her trying to keep her warm, but she was chilled to the bone shivering uncontrollably.

The boy was on his feet he knew what he needed to do he ran to the door and made for the house he wanted to get blankets to cover her, the girls screamed at him not to leave them, but he was deaf to them, his Ma needed help that was all he knew.

When he got back he thought she was dead, her face in the pale light of the lamp gave her an unearthly hue, he ran to her and took her face in his hands rubbing at it, she opened her eyes and looked at him, she knew this boy had reached the limit of his endurance, she must try and get up and take him to the safety and warmth of the house, she rolled over then she screamed as a pain so devastating overtook her, she almost vomited she lay perfectly still scared to move an eyelid lest the pain return, after a time she felt she must try again she rolled slightly to her right, the pain hit her again, this time so violent she could not restrain the scream that she knew was frightening the boy, and for the first time that night she faced the reality of what her actions had caused.

God please don’t do this, don’t let this thing happen, please save the soul of this unborn child, please allow him to come into the light of your goodness to feel the love of his Mother surround him, to feel the power of you within him, please God I implore you. The Gods rewarded her with another bout of intense pain, the boy thinking she had been asking him for help to get up continued to drag on her arm to assist her, she turned her eyes towards him Son it is no use please let me just lay here.

The small boy was lost, he had no more answers to be able to help, he saw the agony on her face as the pain overtook her, he then gasped as he saw the crimson mass coming from her body, his mind went into overdrive, he went berserk, screaming for his sisters to come and help their Ma.

She lay prostrate on the dirty floor, surrounded by large dollops of crimson blood. Milly dropped to her knees imploring her Mother to please tell her what was happening, but Adeline was lost to them she could tell the girl nothing she was in the place the priests may call purgatory, a place if you believed Catholic rhetoric was a place of atonement, the place you could save your soul by atoning for your sin’s, making you worthy to look upon the face of your Saviour, but she was there bargaining for the life of her unborn child, take me Lord, I am the sinner, spare the child I implore you lord Jesus, you have the power, you are all mighty all powerful with just a blink of your eye you can spare this child. She lay for a few moments in contemplation that maybe the God’s would spare her baby, but then another powerful pain overtook her almost ripping her insides out, again she pleaded Have mercy oh Lord look upon you Maidservant and take me, but spare my baby again she waited but the God’s replied with another powerful reminder to her not to try and bargain with the them, she screamed, her children looking on in bewilderment not knowing what they could do to help, so they also reverted to prayers dropping to their knees they began a litany of prayers.

Adeline was now filled with pain and sorrow she knew the inevitable was going to happen, her child whom she had wanted so badly would never see her face feel her warmth, suckle from her breast, tears of loss cascaded down her face.

Her sorrow turned to bitterness, how could her God have deserted her in her hour of need, she came to question the hierarchy of the church, that just fed lies to the hapless followers, a litany of lies to scare them into towing the line, then she turned her wrath on her God shouting obscenities as she wanted someone to blame for her own stupidity, but then she crossed the line shouting………

Never again will I kneel in your presence Oh Lord, never will I ever look upon the cross with love and wonder, for lord I tell you solemnly I would rather rot in hell forever than spend one day in paradise in your presence………….The dye was cast there was no going back, she began to sob, not for herself but for the small soul she knew was the loser, on this terrible night of carnage and horror.

Her vitriolic outburst against the Lord had both frightened and upset the children standing silently over her, they knew she had committed a Mortal sin by questioning Jesus, silently each of them began to pray silently for the forgiveness of their mother for her outburst, but their Mother was lost to them, she lay prostrate on the floor blood pouring from her surrounding her like a crimson carpet.

She sensed the hand of her boy on her forehead felt his soft tender kiss, but she could offer him no comfort, all her thoughts were now centred on the foetus lying between her legs still attached to her by the red gorging umbilical cord pulsating with life as it desperately tried to give life blood to the stillborn boy, but it was not to be, the small bundle lay lifeless Please cry my baby, why don’t you cry, babies are supposed to cry, why won’t you ?

No Adeline this small soul will never cry, never suckle from your breast, never feel your loving arms around it, his soul is already away, back to The Holy Well from whence all life comes, leaving you to scream and ask why? why God? ……but you already know why, for you chose the life of the horse over the life of your baby, and this will haunt you all the days of your life………………

In her pain and anguish she had to blame someone and her thoughts turned to her husband Robert. She began to rave at his memory, chiding him for not being there for them, for not doing everything he could to be home to protect them, damn you Robert, damn you to hell and back.

CHAPTER THREE

THE JOY OF LIFE BECOMES EVIDENT WHEN WE FIND OUR SOULMATE.

Shameus O’Grady was a proud man, but by far his proudest day was the day he hung out a new shingle in front of his stevedoring warehouse on the wharf at constitution dock in Hobart Town.

SHAMEUS O’GRADY AND DAUGHTER.

He remembered her first day, fresh from finishing her schooling and willing and eager to join him in the Family business, she was just sixteen, they had travelled together walking hand in hand on the same route his fore bearer’s had walked so many years ago, for this was a fourth generation business of Irish descent handed down through the generations and now he was doing the same hoping that one day she would be able to run the business with her children, for this indeed was a business growing rapidly from its almost impoverished beginnings.

His mind went to his great Grandfather Shaun, who had started it with a grant offered by from the Government of the day to endeavour to help many of the convicts once their tenure at Port Arthur Penal Colony was completed.

He began his life in this new country in chains and shackles as so many of them had transported to this hell hole for minor misdemeanours, he spent seven long years there in that hell hole ……. or as many knew it. The arse hole at the bottom of the World………

There was little, or no escape from this vile prison, and for those who tried would return with tales that made your skin crawl, for the land surrounding Port Arthur was indeed un hospitable, untamed, uncleared mountainous terrain, the only cleared land being a small strip of land called Eaglehawk Neck right at the beginning of this Peninsula, but only the bravest or most fool hardy would attempt it, for it was zealously guarded by savage dogs that were kept extremely hungry and would tear the unsuspecting to bit, and if they failed to get you there were guards ever ready with loaded weapons to finish the job. Those that chose to navigate the hostile mountains and bush, would live to tell of fierce Wolf like animals with striped back and tails who killed and ate at random, and their compatriot small fury black creatures with razor sharp teeth that would take off a man’s hand in one foul swoop, many who survived recalling they were more like devils disguised as animals, and for the very few who managed to cross this terrain were faced with a greater danger because of the lack of food, cannibalism was rife.

During Shaun’s tenure at this prison he saw the best and worst of man’s inhumanity towards each other, but he was smart, he knew what was required to stay safe and he did whatever was asked of him, whatever!

His one dream to stay alive and get his freedom, so he, along with many others could return home to their Emerald Isle, to again be with their loved ones, but as the weeks became months and months became years, their spirits weakened, their dreams and hopes dimmed, their resolve bitter and dejected the struggle for many was just too great and when their lives became too hideous to bare, they simply took their own lives with reckless abandon, their bodies dumped into communal lime pits to disappear forever, no carbon footprints of them ever having been, leaving only their souls to cry out for justice against this harsh malady of transport and incarceration, and pray that one day it would end.

The strong as always survived and held the faith and although their dreams of returning home were in tatters they forged ahead to make a new life for themselves in this vast new World…..Shaun had known for many years he would never again roam the hills around County Cork, knew that this would be his new home, his new life he worked hard to make a go of it, and at last with the grant afforded him from the government for his tenure at port Arthur he began to forge ahead, he worked day and night, hardly ever sleeping, everything depended on him, and after a slow beginning, O’Grady’s flourishing Stevedoring business was born, and in the ensuing years nothing changed. Every surviving Son doing what was required to make sure the blood sweat and tears that Shaun had put into it, had not been wasted, and he Shameus would make sure, that when he vacated the Earth he would also leave it in good hands, those of his only child Adeline.

Adeline sat gazing into the warehouse not looking at anything in particular, maybe just doing a bit of daydreaming for it was getting late in the day, almost time to close up for the day, she noticed her Father talking to a young man, by his clothing she knew he was a Seafaring man, but he wore the clothing of a Captain, she looked again he was almost too young to be in charge of a ship, her interest grew, her Da and the young man were deep in conversation not the usual conversation between Shameus and Captains who tried unsuccessfully to wrangle a lower higher price from him to take the various cargo on offer, more a conversation between old friends, her interest grew she then did something quite out of character getting up she walked purposefully towards the two men, when she arrived her Father looked up startled to see her there, anything wrong Addy? he inquired she hated this shortened version of her name but it was her father’s favourite name for her so she tolerated it, but only from him.

Shameus caught the flush beginning to creep up her face and saw the raw emotion in her young eyes as they held those of the young man before him, his heart lurched suddenly, and knew there was a battle going on in her young body, she had always only ever been his little girl and now he realised for the first time the awakening of the woman inside her.

Come Addy < come meet Captain Parcell he is new to Tasmania and I have been trying to persuade him to make this his home port, for the first time Robert looked at her really looked at her his heart stood still she was the most exquisite creature he had ever seen, long blond hair reaching to her waistline carefully tied with a green satin ribbon the exact colour of her astounding green eyes, sparkling like emeralds as they observed his own.

She put out her hand for him to take hello Addy pleased to meet you, please call me Robert, at once a change came over her eyes, where before had been limpid pools of calm water were now raging like a boiling cauldron of a storm at Sea, they were defiant, almost challenging as she said, please don’t call me that name, my name is Adeline. Shameus now interrupted to break the standoff beginning to develop between these two strong willed people, he could see Robert had not taken kindly to being reprimanded in this fashion and was now looking at her his eyes hostile, but he forgave his daughter for her outburst had she been older and more experienced she would surely have handled the situation differently, so immediately he changed the subject.

Adeline before you joined us I was asking the Captain if he would like to join us for tea this evening, he is new to town, would you like to finish now so you may hurry home to tell you Ma we will be having company?

She then turned her smiling eyes towards him he returned that smile with his own showing there were no hard feeling for the manner in which she had reprimanded him for she was far too utterly beautiful to fight with he wanted her for his friend ……or maybe more in the future……….. Captain parcel how wonderful, what would you like my Mum to prepare for you she is a wonderful cook he threw back his head and laughed, well Adeline why don’t I let you choose for me, for whatever it is I’m sure it will be delicious, thank you he then kissed her hand not realising he was still holding onto it, he looked directly into her eyes, again felt the knot tighten in his stomach as she returned his stare with her own.

It as in that one precious second when she looked into those amazing violet eyes she knew she would never be the same, she felt an awakening through her body and knew she had lost her heart to this handsome stranger from far across the Sea.

She ran to the office to collect her coat for the day was exceedingly cold the large mountain that hung over this town was snow covered, the wind racing down through the streets to turn everything into ice, gathering it around her she was off running like a small antelope towards Kelly’s steps and up towards her home at Battery Point a quaint old area adjacent to the Constitution Dock where her father’s warehouse was.

She now had the house in sight a large white weatherboard building that faced Mount Wellington on one side and the majestic River Derwent on the other, so from whatever room you were in you could see all the surrounding area, visitors to this home never tired of the watching the cavalcade of vessels that plied their wares along this vast waterway, she paused to catch her breath for her whole being was filled with heightened pleasure, she could not explain her feelings but knew something very important had happened to her when she first looked into his eyes, her only thought now God please don’t let him be married for I think that at last I have found the one.

Anne her Mother had been observing her for some time as she raced headlong towards the house, she seemed so urgent that at first Anne thought something may have gone wrong at the warehouse praying her husband has not injured or worse, she had the front door opened before even the girl reached it drawing her inside and enquiring as to her haste, Is something wrong girl? You are running as though the banshees are after you? she kissed he Ma and then taking her mother by the shoulders and telling her no Ma, nothing’s wrong, in fact everything is just wonderful, and so is he

Her Mother looked at her exasperated, what in the name of the Lord are you babbling about girl, just calm down and tell me, whose wonderful?

sorry Ma, him Captain Parcell the one who Pa has invited to tea tonight Oh Ma he is truly wonderful I think maybe he is the one I shall marry

And so she did, just a week from her eighteenth