Aerial Donkeys

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Oct 12, 2011

Saalfeld Railroad Station, April 1635″Where is the local?” Karl looked at the station agent, who shrugged. “I don’t know, Herr Alpendorf. Reinhardt telegraphed when the train left Kamsdorf, but then closed down the station and went home. He...

Northwest Passage, Part Nine

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Apr 15, 2011

Bay of Biscay, March 1634 Two days into the voyage and habits were already forming. Meals were done in shifts, with the men usually eating last. Aboard the Grande Dame, Pierre Marion stood in line with a pail and bag to collect the evening meal for the group he ate...

Northwest Passage, Part Eight

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Feb 8, 2011

Late May, 1634, off the coast of Newfoundland Captain Luke Foxe sat at the desk in his cabin, staring at the maps and data graphs spread out in apparent, random confusion on the desk and pinned on the walls. A closer examination revealed a method to the madness. The...

Northwest Passage, Part Seven

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Nov 28, 2010

Le Chaume, Mid January 1634 The torches were starting to gutter out as the sun rose, but the fires were still being stoked as the villagers gathered, their packing and loading finished. Their day had started long before the dawn as the entire Huguenot population of Le...

Northwest Passage, Part Six

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Aug 16, 2010

Newfoundland April, 1634   The anchorage for the new village of Christianburg bustled with activity. The sound of axes chopping trees echoed across the water. The crew of the fishing boat, Bridget, was busy transferring cod to the drying racks a quarter mile from...

Northwest Passage, Part Five

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Jun 8, 2010

November 1633—New Amsterdam Harbor   The two Dutch fregätten floated quietly, wrapped in a white shroud. The dense fog that had settled over the New Amsterdam harbor was both a blessing and a curse. It hid them from potential enemies but made navigation hazardous...

Northwest Passage, Part Four

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Apr 3, 2010

London, September 1633 "Another political delay!" Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore, maintained an outward calm but seethed inwardly. Years of political maneuvers to secure a charter for a new colony had taught him the benefit of maintaining an appearance of calm in the...

Northwest Passage, Part Three

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Jan 30, 2010

"Land ho!" Svend's navigation lesson with Captain Foxe came to an abrupt end. Landfall had been expected and the captain was needed on deck. Luke grabbed his boatcape and left to answer the hail. The wind was still fresh off the starboard aft quarter and the...

Northwest Passage, Part Two

by Herbert Sakalaucks | Apr 11, 2009

The last patron had left the inn and Anna was in the kitchen, washing the last of the pots. Luke and Mette sat in front of the fireplace in the dining area staring at the flames. Luke's shirt was open and Mette was playfully tickling his gray hairs. "Mette, how can I...