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Boundary

Author: Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. Meticulously researched and detailed, his character driven novels create a dramatic window into our chronicled and complex past. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commutes to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple ‘Emmy’ nominated entertainment industry professional. Will justice prevail over greed and ruthless ambition? July 1839, without the permission of the English Government, the New Zealand Company ship, Tory, quietly departed England, anxious to reach New Zealand with the utmost speed. Expedition leader, Colonel William Wakefield’s objective is clear – acquire millions of acres of valuable land from the natives at the lowest possible price. On board the Tory, Andrew and Eleanor Stewart, young Scottish emigrants indentured to the New Zealand Company, are excited at the prospect of beginning a new life in a perfect town called Britannia. It’s the Utopia the company promised. Boundary highlights adversity as settlers struggle to survive the hardships of a new colony. Where mounting claims of illegally obtained lands and deception force local Maori chiefs to resist. How much more can they endure before they finally take action and revolt? Caught between the loyalty to their employer, and helping Maori, Andrew and Eleanor encounter schemers and murderers as they challenge the powerful New Zealand Company and the men who govern. Meticulously researched, Boundary is a story of greed and injustice, and draws attention to an often-misunderstood dark passage in New Zealand’s early colonial history.

Paul W. Feenstra · History
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108 Chs

Chapter 46

Wellington

Dr. Featherston trudged up the steep path towards Colonel Wakefield's residence. He paused briefly to button his coat and reposition his hat as the biting, cold wind rushed over the southern hills of Wellington to further cool his doleful mood. As the bearer of bad tidings, he felt no pleasure in the information he intended to share with his friends and was reluctant to continue.

With a frown he pushed on, determined to deal with the unpleasantness as best he could. On reaching the New Zealand Company office, he hesitated briefly to collect himself before stepping inside the building.

Andrew was hunched over his precious ledgers recording information and didn't hear Isaac enter. Isaac stood quietly and fidgeted with his hat as he waited for Andrew.

"Isaac! How long have you been standing there...?" Andrew's voice trailed off, aware that something wasn't as it should be.

After a moment's pause, "It's Ngaiti, Andrew, ...I'm sorry."