Portance of Fear is a horror fiction podcast
which is intended for mature audiences. Discretion
is advised. Welcome, fearlings, to another weird
and horrifying tale made just for you. I am your
host, Mashulu, and I'll be your guide into the
macabre and mysterious. In tonight's story, we
find ourselves washed up on a strange island
in Shipwreck. Before we get started... Take a
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bell so you don't miss a single terrifying story.
A massive ocean storm of biblical proportions
tore the HMS Britannia in two. Wood shattered,
sails tore, and rigging snapped all while the
sea raged. Lightning lit a black sky with thunderous
glory. Hurricane winds battered the broken ship,
the cries to God silenced by water -filled lungs.
Boxes, bodies, and debris washed up on the black
sandy beach of an isolated island. A large volcano
sat in the middle of it, ringed by thick jungle.
Chaplain Abram Roth woke to the sound of waves
washing over his legs. Roth celebrated his 56th
birthday just before leaving on the trip. He'd
wanted to see the colonies before he died. One
last adventure. Abram was a short man who enjoyed
pie a little too often. His hair would have been
gray if he had any. Spitting out sand and salt
water from his mouth, he drug himself upright.
A low cough thrummed from his lungs. He caught
his breath. Dear Lord, I'm alive. Thank you,
he said. Looking about the beach, he noticed
many of the others who'd washed ashore were not
as blessed. Mandy and Richard Smith, a married
couple, lay a few feet away. Somehow, they stayed
near one another in the chaotic waters. Unfortunately,
Richard drank too much of the sea and drowned.
The chaplain checked on Mandy for life. Mandy
Smith, child, please wake up, Abram prodded.
Chaplain, where are we? I have no idea, child,
he replied. Abram braced for the question he
knew was coming. Where's Richard, Mandy asked.
He accompanied you to the beach before leaving
with God. I'm sorry, child. Abram pointed to
the body. Mandy stared at it for a moment before
standing, her eyes filled with tears that she
promptly willed away. She'd mourn him at a more
convenient time. Right. We need to see if anyone
else is alive. Help me drag Richard onto the
beach. They placed Richard's body on dry land.
The chaplain said a quick prayer before searching
for more survivors. They found five alive and
11 dead, meaning 64 went down with the ship.
The cabin boy, Kenneth White, 11, smiled when
woken. This was his second trip to the new world.
He had dark brown hair, sun -scorched skin, and
a broken left arm. Mandy tended to the boy, fashioning
a sling from a portion of her skirt. Jamie Campbell,
18, sat dazed looking at the sea, small waves
lapping at her feet. She was the only one of
her family to survive the wreck. Red wavy locks
hung about her shoulders, framing giant blue
eyes, chapped cracked lips, and freckled skin.
Lieutenant Elton Truman III, 23, lay near several
crates. As a high society English gentleman,
he bought his rank with a sack of gold and family
prestige. He stood 5 '7", was slim, had chestnut
brown hair and eyes to match. For his first time
out to sea, things could have gone better. Captain
James Humphrey, 48, stood up on his own. Well
regarded for his command abilities, he was respected
by the crew. He had salt and pepper hair, blue
eyes, and leathery brown skin with deep wrinkles.
He, too, looked across the ocean, feeling guilty
he did not go down with the ship. Randall Brown,
33, woke to Jamie's gentle tapping. A dockhand
towering at six foot three, Randall was the ship's
strongman. He had brown hair, brown eyes, and
thinning sun -bleached hair with a scraggly beard.
Hauling bodies and supplies up on the beach was
the first priority. Three barrels of ale, three
crates of salted pork, and a box of hardtack
somehow made it ashore. Such a large amount of
provisions seemed too good to be true. After
a long day of pulling everything they could from
the water, they passed out. Morning broke on
the island with the sun peeking over the horizon.
Captain, wake up, Randall loomed above him. I'm
up, I'm up. What is it? Sir, the bodies are gone.
What? He quickly rose to look. The eleven corpses
were indeed gone. Several footprints led into
the jungle. This place could be crawling with
hostile natives, sir. I wish we knew where we
were. This island seems out of place to me, Randall
said. I think you're right. When the storm hit,
we must have been pushed far south somehow, maybe
a strong current. Wake the others. It's time
for us to form a plan, he ordered. Everyone gathered,
shocked by the abduction of their dead. The captain
placed the sea at his back. The wind carried
the smell of salt as the purple dawn slowly turned
blue. All right, I know we're all troubled by
the disappearance of our shipmates. It would
seem we are not alone on this island. I have
no idea how far off course we landed, but I've
never seen such an island on any Atlantic map.
This means we could be here for some time and
may need to fashion our own means of escape.
I need a full inventory of what we have. We also
need a source of fresh water and shelter. It's
important to gather information about the island.
Randall, the lieutenant, and I will go into the
jungle to see what we can find. The rest will
stay here to inventory what we have and start
making a shelter. Sir, wouldn't it be wise to
have an officer stay behind to protect these
people? Kenneth is a boy and the chaplain is
getting on in years. Who shall protect the ladies?
Before the captain could open his mouth, Jamie
stepped into the lieutenant's space. I can protect
myself, thank you very much, Jamie snapped. The
lieutenant moved back a foot. Indeed, Miss Campbell,
I believe you can. Lieutenant, your bravery and
concern for the Ferris X is admirable, but I
need that bravery to search the island, the captain
stated. Of course, sir, the lieutenant replied.
Vines, tree limbs, and huge emerald fronds created
a canopy over the jungle floor. Thick tree roots
stabbed into the earth. Spindles of sun -bathed
strange flowers covered every trunk. Colorful
birds and bugs sang at full volume. Movement
was slow without a way to cut through the foliage.
Sir, I don't see how anyone could have carried
bodies through this jungle, Ramble remarked.
No, I can't either, the captain replied. Look
up ahead, sir. There's a clearing, Randall gestured.
The jungle gave way to a large area with a crystal
clear pool fed by a colossal waterfall. The pool
seemed to have no bottom. Lieutenant Elton ran
to its edge, stuck his face directly in, and
drank deep. Randall and the captain followed
suit. The water was the purest they had ever
tasted. They took a moment to breathe in the
cool air. We must be close to the center of the
island, the captain commented. The sound of moving
brush drew their attention. A nude woman with
deep brown skin and long, shiny black hair appeared
at the tree line. She was beautiful. Captain,
look, the lieutenant whispered. No one move.
We don't want to spook her. The girl smiled at
them. She looks friendly to me, Randall stated.
Maybe. Where are the rest of her people? The
captain wondered aloud. Oh, come now, sir. I
don't think she had anything to do with the bodies
going missing, Randall insisted. He started to
move around the edge of the pool towards her.
Randall, I order you to stay here or by God,
I'll dock your pay for a week. He stopped walking
midpoint. The girl motioned for him to come closer.
She didn't seem bothered by his leering. Crewman,
you heard me. Return it once, the captain snapped.
Randall, with great regret, turned back to the
captain. By the time he'd returned to his companions,
she'd slipped back into the jungle. Great, she's
gone. We could have captured her and forced her
to tell us where our people are by moment, Lieutenant.
We're more than likely outnumbered. Interrogating
the natives may not be the best diplomatic solution.
Fill the water skins and let's get back. Randall,
I know fighting one's sinful urges is difficult,
especially for a man of your station. So I appreciate
your adherence to my commands, Captain Humphrey
said. Aye, Captain. At the beach, Kenneth did
what he could to help, but his arm hurt like
hell. After a time, Mandy told the boy to sit
under a tree and rest. She fashioned a splint
to go with the sling. Abram and Jamie worked
together looking for anything useful. They'd
found several ropes, three axes, four buckets,
a hammer, and a pistol. But with no shot or gunpowder,
it was basically a club. I hope the men have
good luck in the jungle, Jamie said. I do as
well. With these supplies, I believe we can fashion
a suitable shelter over by the trees, Abram responded.
That's a good idea. Mandy, could you help us?
We want to build a shelter for tonight. Do you
know how to weave? Jamie inquired. I do. Want
me to make some mats with all those fronds? Also,
there's some sail that could be used as a roof.
Perfect. Kenneth, come with me. I need your help,
Jamie called. She took the boy's hand and led
him to a small outcropping of rocks several feet
from the waterline. What should I do, miss? He
asked. Sit here in the shade and keep an eye
out for any ships. If you see one, yell for us,
she replied. He nodded. Miss? Yes, Kenneth? I'm
sorry about your family. I wish they'd made it.
That's very nice of you to say. I wish they had
too, but you know what? What? We're going to
America, I promise. Now sit here and watch the
horizon, all right? Aye, aye, miss, he replied.
Mandy weaved quickly while Abram tied the ropes
around the trees to hold the sail a few feet
up. Looks good, chaplain. Make sure to put a
few ropes in the middle to help with sagging,
she said. The chaplain nodded. He was not used
to such work. Blisters bubbled up all over his
hands and the soles of his feet. Black sand worked
its way into places he dared not mention. Jamie
approached. Chaplain, you look like you need
to rest. Take a moment and I'll see what I can
do, Jamie said. Thank you, child. I think we
all deserve a short respite and some food, Abram
replied. I think you may be right. Let's get
a small amount of pork and ale. Hopefully the
captain found some water. Jamie, how's the boy?
He's all right. I have him on lookout duty in
the shade by the rocks. I'm worried about that
arm. He might catch fever. We'll do what we can
for him. In fact, let us pray before eating.
They all bowed their heads. Dear Lord, thank
you for this bounty. Thank you for seeing us
to these shores. We humbly ask that you shepherd
those whom we lost into the kingdom of heaven
and show us the way home. Amen. Thank you, chaplain.
I'll take some food over to Kenneth. The scouting
party returned. Friends, we return with fresh
water. Jamie takes some to the boy. It would
seem we're on time for a meal, Captain Humphrey
noted. Indeed, sir. The shelter is almost ready,
and the boy is by that rock outcropping, watching
for ships. Sit, have some salted pork, Abram
remarked. What good will it do to have him looking
for ships? It's a waste of time. He should be
helping with the shelter. Furthermore, shouldn't
we finish the shelter first before feasting?
That should be the priority, the lieutenant snarled.
Sir, the boy's arm is broken. Till it's healed,
he's not really any use building, Randall pointed
out. If the injury has made him useless, we shouldn't
be giving him food. What? We have plenty of food.
I don't want to hear such talk again, lieutenant.
Now eat more and talk less, snapped the captain.
The others exchanged glances. Yes, sir, lieutenant
said. Captain. It's wonderful you found water.
Did you find anything else, Jamie inquired. She
hoped to change the subject. Yes, we did. One
of the natives appeared near the waterfall we
found. A young woman, your age, I think. My guess
is that she was sent to lure us into a trap.
Mr. Brown here almost fell into it, the captain
replied. Sorry, sir. Anyway, until we know their
numbers, I think it better we stay right here,
the captain said. Rain started just after sunset.
Large drops of water splattered against the sail
covering the group. Kenneth couldn't sleep. His
arm hurt too much. He sat upright looking out
at the water, wondering if he'd get off this
island. To his left, he noticed a young nude
woman approaching the shelter. She flashed a
smile at him and proceeded to tap Randall on
the shoulder, gently waking him. The crewman
jumped to his feet. He bent down to kiss her.
Taking his hand, she led him away. She looked
at Kenneth, putting her finger to her lips. Within
a moment, they were gone. He stayed up waiting
for Randall to return, but finally he fell asleep.
The early morning sun broke through dying storm
clouds. Kenneth thought he'd dreamed about the
woman, but Randall was gone and the others were
panicked. Sir, Randall left last night with a
woman. She walked in with no clothes on and kissed
him. He seemed to want to go with her, Kenneth
said. Damnable fool! I warned him not to go with
her, Captain Humphrey scowled. The lieutenant,
standing a few feet away, closed the distance
and grabbed the boy's shoulder. Why didn't you
wake us, boy? Pain shot through the 11 -year
-old's body. I'm sorry, sir. I'm sorry. Please,
let go. Please. Jamie balled up her fist and
punched the lieutenant in the face so hard he
staggered back, letting go of the boy. You touch
him again and I'll split your head in two, Jamie
warned. You forget yourself, you Scottish tart.
My father is a member of the House of Lords.
I'll have you in irons for this. Captain Humphrey
stepped between the two face to face with the
lieutenant. Lieutenant Truman, who your father
is doesn't matter. I'm in charge and you'll apologize
to the boy and Miss Campbell this instant or
I'll hang you from a tree. Do I make myself clear?
The captain bellowed. The lieutenant shook with
anger. No one had ever dared speak to him in
this manner. Have you gone mad, sir? I will do
no such thing. This low born cow of a woman struck
me. She's at fault here, not me. Your command
has been lacking. You're the reason we are here.
Gentlemen, please, we're not going to gain any
advantage by being at one another's throats,
the chaplain pleaded. Quite right. We need to
find out how many natives there are. I don't
think the island is very big. I'm betting their
village is on the coast. Mandy, I want you and
the chaplain to follow the beach to the southwest.
See how far around you can traverse it. Stay
close to the tree line. If you run into an obstacle,
be it natural or otherwise, make your way back
here to report. Don't engage. The lieutenant
and I will go the opposite way. If there is no
coastal village, we should meet you somewhere
on the other side of the island, the captain
said. Shouldn't we all go? Jamie and Kenneth
may need protection, Mandy asked. The boy's injuries
would slow us down. I think it's better that
he stays here. As for protection from what I've
seen of Miss Campbell, he's in good hands, Captain
Humphrey remarked. He smiled at Jamie. Let's
go, Lieutenant. Lieutenant Truman and Captain
Humphrey walked in silence for two hours. The
sun attempted to set them both on fire for their
troubles. Finally, Lieutenant Truman could take
no more. This is stupid. Why are we not looking
for Randall in the jungle? Or better yet, looking
for food? Walking around this cursed island is
just another example of your poor judgment, Captain.
Truman didn't see the fist before it cracked
him in the jaw. He toppled to the black sand
beneath him. Before he could react, The captain
slammed his knee into Truman's chest. Randall
was six foot two and stronger than both of us.
No five foot three native girl could kill him
easily, and if he wasn't dead, he would have
returned by morning in an attempt to avoid getting
into trouble. Was he lustful and stupid? Yes,
but he was also a good man. He would have returned.
We need to find their village. This is the first
step to achieving that goal. I'm doing everything
I can to keep you all alive, and you've done
nothing but cause me grief. You're an insufferable,
entitled dog, and if we ever get off this island,
I'm going to have you court -martialed. Now you
will shut up and follow orders or I'll beat your
skull in. The lieutenant stayed silent. The captain
lifted his knee from Truman's chest, allowing
him to take a huge breath. After several moments,
they continued on in silence till the aroma of
roasting boar crossed their noses. Do you smell
that, captain? Yes, I do. Let's hope it's actually
pig being roasted. What else could it be? Oh,
dear Lord. I've heard stories of cannibals on
remote islands. It's going to take a lot to bring
God to these heathens, the captain remarked.
For once, we are in agreement, Truman replied.
Stay close to the tree line. The two crouched
in hopes of hiding themselves better, slowly
working their way down the beach. The captain
surmised they had to be on the opposite side
of the island from the shipwreck. Something just
occurred to me. I bet the current washes ships
on shore from the north all the time. so they
built their village on the south shore. Then
they just have to wait for wreckage to appear.
That seems like a sound estimation. It feels
like we're close to the equator. That storm truly
threw us far off course, the lieutenant commented.
The vegetation and climate would indicate that
to be true. I'm not sure how, though. Do you
hear drums? Yes, Captain, I do. With great care,
they came to a spot with a clear view of the
village. The fire blazed slowly, cooking a huge
bore on a spit. Villagers sat around it, several
of whom played drums. There were no elderly among
them. In the middle of the drum line sat Randall,
stuffing his face with cooked pig and fruit.
He was flanked by two women. That dog! He's living
the high life, the captain snapped. It would
seem that way, sir. They look quite friendly,
if I'm being honest, the lieutenant observed.
Many are, but they are leading him into a sinful
life. We must save him from himself. I agree,
sir, but... Shouldn't we eat first? I'm sure
the chaplain and Mandy will arrive soon. Maybe
he can save some of those natives from damnation?
You're right. Something I never thought I'd say,
Lieutenant. We just need to be careful. Our goal
isn't to live here forever. We must get back
to London and tell the Crown of our discovery.
What about the Americas? It will remain where
it is. This may be a great outpost for the Royal
Navy. It already has a native population ready
to become civilized workers. Now, let's go get
some food, shall we? The chaplain's legs howled
with every step. He tried with all his might
to keep his spirits up. He felt the others needed
him to be the voice of optimism. It felt like
they'd been walking for hours, but still no sign
of a village. Just the tree line, black sand,
and waves. The sun sat directly overhead, so
he figured it had to be around noon. His stomach
concurred. Mandy kept quiet, thinking about her
husband Richard. She lost everything with the
ship. Home to England might be her best option.
At least she had family there, though being a
young widow in Manchester was not something she
looked forward to. They arrived at the opposite
end of the island at last. Rounding the corner,
Mandy gasped. Richard sat next to a fire, alone.
That's my husband! She started to move forward,
then Abram grabbed her arm firmly. No, child.
We both saw his corpse. Something's not right.
We need to go back the way we came and warn the
others, he cautioned. No, you're wrong. It's
a gift from God. Mandy pulled away from Abrams'
grasp and ran to her husband. That's not Richard,
no! As she approached, Richard stood with outstretched
arms. The two embraced. My love, I thought I'd
lost you. He tightened his grip. Suddenly, she
started to age rapidly. Mandy screamed, but the
chaplain could not help. He was too horrified.
Stop, my love, you're... She begged. She turned
to dust into cans. The chaplain turned and ran
as fast as he could. Hours had passed since the
two parties went to scout the perimeter. Kenneth
slept in the shade while Jamie thought of ways
off the island. No boats had passed, and they
may never pass, she reasoned. As time wore on,
concern grew for the fate of their companions.
Twilight arrived with Chaplain Abram running
up the beach to them. Skin blistered from sun
damage, he collapsed, panting. Words stayed trapped
in his throat. Jamie ran to his side with a skin
of water. He drank his fill. Child, did the captain
return, Abram asked. No, chaplain, you're the
first. Where is Mandy? Listen, make a raft with
the crates and rope. Get off this island with
the boy. Let the current take you anywhere but
here, he pleaded. Why? Is it the natives? I don't
think there are natives. I think the whole island
is slowly devouring us. Get away while you still
can, his voice trailed off as his heart gave
out. Chaplain, please, no, don't leave us, please.
She cradled his lifeless body in her arms, crying.
Kenneth woke the next morning to find that Jamie
had built a raft by lashing barrels and crates
together next to the rock outcropping, using
it as a dock. Come on, Kenneth, we're leaving.
I have all the water and food I could find on
the raft. Let's go. What about the others? They're
not coming. Now move. Jamie. We'll die out on
the open water, he protested. She squatted down
to look the boy in the eyes. We'll die if we
stay. Please, Kenneth, trust me. I do. With the
rising tide, Kenneth got on board. Jamie pushed
the raft out until she was almost neck deep.
Then she pulled herself up onto the raft and
started paddling. She glanced over her shoulder.
There, at the tree line, was her family waving.
Whatever you do, don't look back at the island,
she instructed. I won't. Jamie, what, if we survive,
would you be my sister? I already am. Jamie and
young Kenneth escaped just in time. Do you think
they'll survive and make it to the colonies?
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