Twenty-two-year-old Jacob Tomkins is sentenced to seven years’ labour in the fledgling colony of Sydney Town, Australia. The voyage across the sea is arduous. He is travelling with mean, street-hardened criminals, some of whom would like to use him for their pleasure. Fortunately he meets Peter, who takes Jacob under his wing. Together they find moments of pleasure amid the drudgery of the voyage. They share their hopes and dreams, and finally declare their love for each other upon the eve of their arrival in Sydney Town -- a place where the currency is rum, distilled and controlled by the powerful military. But what will happen once they disembark? The chances of remaining together are slim. A lot can happen in seven years, especially when Jacob’s new master takes a liking to him. Is their love strong enough to survive the ravages of time? Can they survive the rigors of their sentences?

Across the Sea

“I’ll leave you in Polly’s capable hands,” said Jasper before promptly turning on his heels and leaving.


Polly wiped her hands on her apron. “First things first. I’d best show where everything’s kept.”


The afternoon was an exhausting exercise in how to clean carpets, wash floors, polish furniture, and polish silverware. There was a potion for this job and a potion for that, and Jacob found his concentration lapsing at times. Polly, on the other hand, seemed to have boundless energy. And she was older!


“I can help you out if need be,” she offered. “The master takes great pride in his house and his possessions. Best to ask me if you’re not sure about something. We don’t want you ruining something because you’ve used the wrong bottle.”


Jacob nodded, though his attention was beginning to wane. Evening was falling and the rooms were filling with shadows. There was a chill in the air and Jacob couldn’t stop yawning.


Chapter 22