Northwest Passage, Part Six

by William 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 William 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 William 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 William 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 William 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...

Northwest Passage, Part One

by William Sakalaucks | Jan 27, 2009

Part I November 1633   A bright sun and a cool breeze made Copenhagen the best place in the world as far as Sergeant Karl Andersen was concerned. He strolled with the three members of his city watch patrol through the open air market. They paused occasionally to...

The Galloping Goose

by William Sakalaucks | Oct 6, 2007

"Okay, guys, very carefully, peel the logo stencils and coverings off the doors and I'll get the big one on the back end," Arlen instructed. The sharp smell of drying paint hung in the air, a fine mist shrouding the gathered crowd, as Mike and Martin peeled off the...