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

He arrived at the gate and climbed over it to the main road on the other side. He continued walking, heading away from Sydney Town, towards the mountains in the distance. The conversation with Jasper played over and over in his head. He didn’t know which was worse—his mother, possibly deceased, thinking he’d forgotten her, or Jasper’s insecurity and treachery. Then there were all the days and nights he’d worried about the welfare of his mother and his brothers and sister, almost beside himself with concern. All of which could have been avoided had he received just one letter of reply from home. Just one.


Chapter 44