webnovel

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
Not enough ratings
108 Chs

Chapter 55

Ship's officers began preparing the ship's lifeboats as panicked passengers rushed on deck in confusion. Children were crying, passengers shouted and demanded to know what was happening. Some unwisely brought possessions on deck, clutching suitcases, bags and sundry. Crewmen were equally uncertain, turning to officers for direction and orders. If things weren't brought under control soon, people would begin jumping overboard.

Boom! the signal canon fired. The surprise report brought a moment's respite and a pause to confused passengers and crew, like a signal to remain calm and orderly. Without warning the Prince Rupert shuddered, everyone felt it and then the motion of the ship stopped. The Prince Rupert ran firmly aground onto Mouille Point.