“With adventure and love, what’s not to like. An adventurous tale with a dash of romance. I particularly liked the parallel format so you learn about the main players almost together and are able to chart their development almost consecutively.” –Elaine Fleet (U.S. book critic).
CHAPTER 14
Matavai Bay, Tahiti, May, 1769
Night-time could not come quickly enough. Nicholas hoped against all hope there’d be a repeat of the previous night’s erotic experience following the visitation of the mystery wahine.
Earlier that day, he’d put his free time to good use, seeking out Tupaia to ask his advice on a sensitive and potentially embarrassing issue. He felt the amiable Tahitian was the only one he could trust with such matters.
The younger man had observed that Tupaia seemed to be spending more time in the company of the visiting seamen, either at nearby Fort Venus or aboard the Endeavour, than with his own people. It was becoming obvious to him that his new friend and confidant had his own agenda. He’d found him inside a large tent that had been erected at the fort’s observatory. Open to the elements on one side, it accommodated a table upon which the astronomical clock would sit in readiness for the transit observation. Opposite the tent and facing the same table was a wooden platform, which would support the astronomical quadrant as well as the two large telescopes that were still safely secured aboard the bark.
Anxious to have some privacy and distance himself from his crewmates, Nicholas had suggested that Tupaia join him for a walk along the sand spit. Away from the others, he had confided in his friend and received some valuable advice in return. Advice he hoped he’d be able to put into practice that very evening.
#
Apart from the fact that he hadn’t seen or heard from Queen Obadia all day, the early omens for the night ahead were promising: the routine of the previous day was repeated with the same beautiful servant girl delivering his evening meal and returning later to lay out his bed-mat. He noticed the wahine gave him a knowing smile before departing.
Now, lying naked on his bed-mat, it wasn’t long before his Little General, as he called it, was standing at attention.
Two hours went by and he was becoming impatient – and sore. His Little General was still on full alert, and he feared if someone didn’t come soon he’d have to take matters into his own hands.
Another hour passed.
Where the hell is she?
He promised himself he would identify the mystery woman when, or if, she returned. There was a full moon, and, although it was dark inside the bure, he knew he’d soon identify her if he could glimpse her outside in the moonlight. He tensed when the fleeting silhouette of an unmistakably-feminine figure appeared in the doorway. Instinctively he knew it was his same mystery lover of the previous night even though she remained a shadow in the darkness.
The wahine silently approached. Stopping a pace from the bed-mat, she loosened a garment. It softly brushed Nicholas’s face as it fell to the floor. Nothing happened for a few moments and he found himself once more holding his breath in anticipation.
Who are you?
In the dark, he could hear her breathing. Realising she was standing above him he reached out and grasped her slender ankles. She immediately knelt down astride him; her womanhood enveloped his extended member, quickly transporting him to another place. A place he’d only ever visited once before.
He felt himself coming almost immediately and willed himself to act on Tupaia’s advice to avoid repeating his mishap of the previous evening. That wasn’t to be.
Damn it!
As before, he exploded, unable to contain the lust that had been building up, layer upon layer, over the last twenty-four hours. His mystery lover had anticipated this and again she rocked and twisted expertly above him, panting and whimpering, until her release came.
Nicholas, his Little General now only partially at attention, lay panting on his back, fully satiated. In that state he still had the presence of mind to note that this time his lover – for that’s how he thought of her now – showed no intention of leaving. Instead, she laid her head on his chest, snuggled up to him and soon fell asleep.
Feeling her warm breath on his skin, he felt both content and dissatisfied. Dissatisfied because in the heat of passion he’d failed to put Tupaia’s advice to good use. He replayed in his mind the somewhat awkward conversation he’d had with the Tahitian during which he’d alluded to his experience of the previous night, and he vowed to do better next time.
#
Nicholas woke to discover his mystery lover gently pulling him over on top of her. Only now did he realise he’d fallen asleep. How long he’d been out to it, he hadn’t a clue. He also realised every part of him was at full attention, and he felt his passion building as the woman began moving sensuously beneath him.
So far, the routine of their first two trysts was being repeated, but with two crucial differences: this time he was on top, and instead of thinking about his lover, his mind was entirely focused on an image of the ugliest woman he’d ever seen. Closing his eyes tight, he shut out all except for that image and the words of wisdom Tupaia had conveyed to him earlier.
Tupaia’s words were now imprinted on his brain.
We have a saying in Tahiti, Nicholas. Do not be too eager to enter paradise… The paradise I refer to is a woman’s magical inner rings of fire. And another thing…When a man does enter paradise, he must think of other things, not about what he might be doing or the woman he is with at the time…What do I think about at such times? Anything! It does not matter…Think of the ugliest woman you have ever seen.
At Tupaia’s prompting, Nicholas had described a wrinkled, toothless, old whore he’d often seen peddling her ageing wares around London’s dockyards. And that’s who he was thinking of now because the Tahitian had told him he should keep her image uppermost in his mind to help delay the inevitable whenever he entered paradise.
By now, his mystery lover was beginning to whimper, her breathing coming in short gasps. Occasionally she let out a muffled cry as her pelvic gyrations pleasured her. Still Nicholas hadn’t given into the temptation to explode inside her.
Somewhere in the distant recess of his brain, he heard Tupaia’s voice. His friend was saying, “Welcome to paradise, my friend!”
Nicholas banished the words from his mind and re-focused on the wrinkled, old whore. Slowly, he allowed his thoughts to turn from her to the wondrous creature writhing beneath him. Exploring her face and body with his hands, he tried to determine whether or not his lover was Queen Obadia. She was certainly firm and athletic like the queen, but he couldn’t say for sure whether it was her or her servant girl.
Risking a couple of tentative movements of his hips, he immediately solicited a response from his partner whose movements became more urgent. Cautiously, he began matching her actions so they moved in unison, causing her to cry out again, louder this time. He could feel himself gaining a measure of control, and so he began rocking harder, grinding his pelvis into hers. In his mind he held onto the image of the old whore as he buried himself deeper and harder inside the woman beneath him.
For the first time, his mystery lover spoke. Her voice was soft and throaty, and he found that unbelievably sensual in itself. He couldn’t understand her as she spoke in her native tongue, but he sensed she was murmuring endearments and guiding him on how he could best pleasure her. As their passion built toward a crescendo, she grabbed his hand and guided his fingers to her clitoris. He massaged it, very gently at first and then more firmly, causing her to arch her back and cry out in ecstasy.
Somewhere, far away, a clap of thunder boomed out. It was followed by another Boom! – louder this time. At the same time Nicholas felt his lover’s juices flow, and his seed ejected into her in a triumphant, almost painful spurt. They came together, noisily, in a glorious, sweaty tangle of arms and legs.
Nicholas felt he had truly entered paradise. He also felt overwhelmed and more than a little emotional. For the first time, he knew, he’d brought real pleasure to a woman.
More thunderclaps followed, announcing the approach of an electrical storm. The lighting that followed was close now. A flash lit up the bure’s interior and in that brief moment Nicholas identified his mystery lover.
They made love twice more that night, each time even more satisfying than the time before.
#
Before dawn, while Nicholas was still sleeping, his lover departed the bure. She quickly crossed the narrow strip of grass that separated the small dwelling from the royal quarters and hurried to keep an appointment with Queen Obadia.
The beautiful queen, herself an early riser, greeted the servant girl and enquired how her latest tryst had gone with Nicholas.
Bowing, the servant girl simply said, “He is ready, my queen.”
#
Walking alone in the hills behind the village, Nicholas was too deep in thought to even notice the panoramic views around him. He was consumed by memories of the glorious lovemaking he’d experienced overnight – and he was puzzled by the fact that his mysterious lover was Queen Obadia’s servant girl and not the queen herself.
When Tupaia had informed him Queen Obadia had invited him to stay at the village, Nicholas had hoped it was not just because she wanted some stimulating conversation. He’d hoped she was as physically attracted to him as he was to her. Not that he was disappointed by the hospitality he’d experienced these last two nights. The servant girl was almost the queen’s equal in terms of beauty, and she’d pleasured him beyond anything he could have imagined. However, he still lusted after the older woman who had dominated his dreams since he’d first seen her.
Nicholas hoped he’d learn more soon. Hercules of all people had informed him earlier that Queen Obadia had invited him to join her for dinner in the royal quarters. The lad cautioned himself not to build up his hopes too much.
Best not get ahead of yourself, my good fellow.
#
While Nicholas explored the hills, Queen Obadia strolled naked from her quarters to the nearby lagoon for her daily swim. She would normally swim half a mile, or further if she desired. Then in keeping with her usual routine she would walk along the beach, interacting with fishermen and other villagers, collecting seashells and anything else that caught her eye while delighting in the sights and sounds of Matavai Bay. It was a routine she enjoyed as it helped keep her healthy and her body firm, and it was a good opportunity to interact with her subjects. As usual she was accompanied by a retinue of servants and by two armed warriors who were part of her personal guard.
The queen was more excited than she’d been in a long, long time. Tara, the servant girl who had pleasured Nicholas these past two nights, had delivered the news she’d been awaiting: the young white god from the tall ship was now ready to pleasure her. As the most skilled concubine in the village, Tara had been tasked with ensuring Nicholas was sufficiently accomplished in the art of lovemaking to pleasure the queen. He would then be more likely to give her a son – a strong son worthy of her ancestor’s spirit.
Had Nicholas known of this arrangement, he would most certainly have approved of it for he’d enjoyed the last two nights beyond measure.
#
Dusk was descending when Nicholas reported to the royal quarters to keep his engagement with Queen Obadia. He wore a change of clothes he’d had the foresight to bring with him to the village – a white cotton shirt and a pair of khaki breeches – and he was barefoot, having decided to dispense with his shoes for the occasion.
In the balmy evening, most of the villagers were preparing their evening meals outside their bures. Smoke from a hundred or more cooking fires spiralled into the darkening sky.
Nicholas felt rested, having slept through the heat of the day after exploring the village surrounds. He was also excited beyond measure by the possibilities the evening held for him.
The young man had recovered from his surprise that his mystery lover was the queen’s servant girl. Tara had delivered his breakfast as usual after their night of lovemaking, and she showed no sign of embarrassment. Although she couldn’t speak English, she had conveyed her name to him after he’d formally introduced himself. She hadn’t stayed long, but the twinkle in her eye made it clear she was still available if that was his wish.
Entering the royal quarters, he was relieved to see there was no sign of the surly Hercules. A servant led him to a large bure behind the main structure. The delicious aromas of island food carried to him from within the dwelling.
Inside, he found the woman of his dreams sitting on a plush Persian rug before a meal fit for a queen. She hadn’t noticed Nicholas’s arrival, busy as she was supervising those servants who were responsible for preparation of the food. A traditional grass skirt and brightly coloured shawl showed off her mesmerising figure, and her long, black hair, which she’d pinned up for the occasion, was topped off by a red hibiscus flower. The overall effect was stunning. Even the servants seemed in awe of her beauty.
The guest took in every feature of his beautiful queen. While Tara may be the most desirable girl on the island, Queen Obadia was the most desirable woman. To his eyes, the older wahine’s maturity only added to the powerful attraction she had for him. A familiar tingling in his loins reminded him of that and he quickly tried to think of something else as his Little General threatened to go on parade.
Behave yourself!
Looking around the bure, he saw that the furnishings and trappings were similar to those he’d seen in the reception room of the royal quarters during his first visit. Carpets, drapes, paintings and other items secured in trades were in evidence, giving the bure a distinctly European feel. Torches jutting out at an angle cast flickering shadows over everything.
Queen Obadia flashed a smile when she finally noticed her guest. Her almond eyes sparkled. “Welcome, Nicholas.” She patted the rug, indicating he should sit next to her.
The guest of honour did as she suggested. “Good evening…ah…my queen.”
She smiled at his formality. “You like?” she asked, pointing at the delicious food that had been laid out before them.
“Very much.”
The queen motioned to him to help himself to the food as she selected a serving of baked breadfruit and a bowl of fresh coconut milk for herself. At the same time, she dismissed the servants.
Nicholas selected morsels of roast pork and baked turtle flesh, but only pecked at the food. He found he’d lost his appetite. This was noticed by his hostess. Unnoticed by her guest, she smiled to herself. She could understand his loss of appetite: she wasn’t hungry either and, like him, she had other things on her mind.
Dinner turned out to be a pleasantly languorous affair that spanned several hours. Nicholas’s initial nervousness was soon eased by the charm and warmth of his beautiful hostess, her easy way with words and their stimulating conversation. One result of this was he regained his lost appetite and ate heartily.
Their dialogue continued from where it left off last time, and once again the surgeon’s boy marvelled at how easy she was to talk to. She questioned him closely on the habits of Englishwomen and the role they played in English society. In particular she was interested in their status in comparison to the menfolk. He quizzed her on the history of her family and her people generally – especially their apparent preoccupation with warring against other island nations.
Conversation eventually lapsed and in the ensuing silence Nicholas noted they seemed to have the bure and adjoining royal quarters to themselves.
Did she dismiss all her servants to ensure privacy?
Suddenly conscious of his close proximity to his hostess, he was very aware that their knees were touching. Her touch seemed electric.
Queen Obadia felt it, too. She looked at her young companion and smiled. “Come,” she said, taking his hand. In one smooth movement she stood and led him to a dark corner of the large room. Full of anticipation, he realised his heart was racing as he accompanied her.
The queen stopped in front of a pile of rugs, which evidently served as a mattress in place of the traditional bed mat. Nicholas could only watch as she slipped out of her garments, revealing a body more beguiling and stunning than he’d thought possible. Smiling, she removed the hibiscus flower from her head, letting her hair fall down to her shoulders. She then disrobed her young guest while slowly, excruciatingly slowly, allowing her fingers to brush against his skin.
Nicholas allowed her to pull him down onto the rugs. He gasped as she took his erect penis in her mouth and performed wondrous deeds with her lips and tongue. That was another first for him and he couldn’t believe how nice it felt. The lovemaking that followed was better even than he’d ever imagined. Better than anything he’d experienced before.
From Queen Obadia’s perspective, the young god who shared her bed was everything she’d hoped for. His lithe, youthful body thrilled her and transported her back to the days of her own carefree youth. She quickly discovered that she couldn’t get enough of him.
The queen was in no doubt she would miss Nicholas when he finally departed, but she was comforted by the knowledge she would one day bear his son, the future ruler of her people. It was ordained. Tupaia had said so.
The priest’s words remained imprinted on her mind.
The spirit of Hotu told me a young, virile god would arrive on our shores aboard a tall ship. He said that I would recognise this god when I saw him. He said you must take this god to your bed mat and he will fill you with his seed, which will bear fruit.
#
Nicholas soon discovered the routine of the past twenty-four hours would be the pattern for the days and nights that followed for the remainder of his idyllic sojourn in the village. He found the new routine immensely stimulating.
His nights were spent in the company of Queen Obadia, conversing and dining with her before making love to her – off and on all night long sometimes. His days were spent exploring the island, swimming and resting, more often than not in Tara’s company for he enjoyed the servant girl’s companionship immensely, and she enjoyed his.
Queen Obadia was aware that Tara continued to have sexual relations with Nicholas. Her spies had told her as much, but she didn’t mind. It was, after all, the island way to share lovers, wives and husbands as well as possessions. Besides, she had him to herself every night, and she could tell that her accomplished servant girl was teaching him new tricks every day – tricks that pleasured her immensely.
Although Nicholas didn’t realise it, he was now more experienced than most young men in the art of lovemaking. And, despite the lewd boasts of his crewmates, it was fair to say he was already more skilled than many of them if only because he had two of the finest tutors a man could have.
Young and fit as he was, he soon found he had to escape during the day to catch up on lost sleep and recover his energy away from noisy children and other sounds around the village. Satisfying two energetic and sexually active wahines was proving daunting – enjoyable, but exhausting. Nevertheless, he wasn’t complaining.
#
Rain threatened as Nicholas decided to head back to the village after another hike up into the hills. Two weeks had passed since his first sexual liaison with Queen Obadia, and in that time, he estimated he’d trekked hundreds of miles. He felt he knew every track in this corner of the island.
As he descended a steep, rocky path, his eyes were drawn to the Endeavour out in the bay. He could see officers and crewmen boarding her. They’d obviously returned from a shore excursion. He guessed Cook was among the returning officers though they were too far away to say for sure. The captain had been visiting the Fort Venus observatory at least once daily to ensure everything was in place for the transit of Venus that was only three days away now. It was a reminder for Nicholas that his time in paradise was nearing an end.
#
Aboard the Endeavour, Cook hurried below deck to escape the rain that was now bucketing down. The transit was imminent, and the captain was anxious that all that could be done had been done for when the big day arrived. He was even more apprehensive about the weather and wasn’t at all happy to hear thunderclaps close by. “Damn the weather gods!”
No-one knew better than Cook that one of his expedition’s primary goals would not be achieved if June 3rd was cloudy: cloud would prevent observation of the transit, and the Lords of the Admiralty wouldn’t be amused.
CHAPTER 15
Aotearoa, Winter, 1500
Half a dozen hunters followed a well-used trail through dense bush in the rugged central region of Aotearoa’s northern island, their bare feet slipping in the mud underfoot. The trail connected their tribe’s settlement at Rotorua, on the shores of a lake of the same name, to another village at Maketu, on the east coast. It was a gloomy winter’s day and they moved quickly to keep warm…
>>> NEW ZEALAND: A NOVEL continues next week.
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This novel is available via Amazon as a hardcover, paperback, audiobook and Kindle ebook… https://www.amazon.com/New-Zealand-Novel-Lance-Morcan/dp/0473728524/
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