Chapter 1
The humid air of the jungle clung to Zax Sims as he stood on the edge of the riverbank, his eyes scanning the horizon. Three months spent with Uncle Roi had passed in a blur of new experiences, lessons, and the quiet rhythm of life in the jungle. Now, it was time to leave it all behind and return home.
Zax couldn’t contain his excitement. His 13-year-old energy practically bubbled over. “Zac! Come on, we’re about to head out! Can you believe it?” he called, a grin spreading across his face.
Zacchaeus, his 11-year-old brother, didn’t share the same level of enthusiasm. He had grown accustomed to the peaceful, easygoing life with Uncle Roi, spending his days working with the horses and learning about the land. While Zax was eager to return to Ocala, Zacchaeus was unsure. The quiet jungle had started to feel like home, and he wasn’t sure he was ready for the change.
“I’m coming,” Zacchaeus replied softly, pushing himself off the rock he had been sitting on. He wasn’t in the same rush as his brother, but he knew it was time to move on.
The brothers walked side by side to the waiting boat. Uncle Roi was already on board, overseeing the final preparations for their departure. The SS Bank was a sturdy ship, capable of carrying passengers and cargo across vast distances. The boat would take them from the jungle port to New England, where they would disembark and catch a larger vessel to take them home to Ocala.
Uncle Roi looked up from his work, giving them both a warm smile. “You two ready for the trip?”
“Ready!” Zax answered quickly, practically bouncing with excitement. Zacchaeus offered a quiet nod, trying to keep his growing sense of uncertainty in check
were suppose to stop in new England to pick up some supplies and i believe more passengers Uncle Roi said
Zacchaeus wasn’t sure what to think about that. He just wanted to go home to ocola and sleep and be lazily before school starts.
Zax, on the other hand, was practically glowing with excitement. “I can’t wait to see what supplies were picking up zax said.
The boat slowly began to move, cutting through the water as the jungle faded into the distance behind them. The sound of the engine was a constant hum, and the crew worked quickly to make sure everything was secure.
Zacchaeus leaned against the railing, looking out at the water. He liked the quiet of the river, the way the world seemed to slow down when they were on the boat. It was peaceful, calm—something he had come to appreciate.
Zax, however, was bouncing around the deck, watching the crew work with a mix of curiosity and impatience. He kept asking Uncle Roi about the supplies they would pick up, and Uncle Roi, in turn, only promised that it would be worth the wait.
The boat sailed smoothly through the water as the brothers made themselves comfortable, and they settled in for the long journey ahead. The sun beat down from above, and the salty air of the sea filled their lungs. They would stop in New England to pick up the supplies, but the brothers were tired and went to ther beds even though they could not sleep.
Uncle Roi stood at the bow, watching the water ahead.“Talking to the captain cap tell me the truth are we really picking up supplies Uncle roi said.you'll just have to wait in see Cap said.
Zacchaeus was scared of stopping to get supplies, but he trusted his uncle. After all, Uncle Roi knew what he was doing. Still, the thought of having to stop on the way home made him jittery.
Zax turned to his brother, noticing the look of concern on his face. “Don’t worry, Zac. They’ll be fine. We’ll figure it out together.”
Zacchaeus managed a small smile, though he wasn’t sure he shared his brother’s optimism. They had learned a lot from Uncle Roi, but working with wild horses was a different matter entirely.
The boat continued on its course, carrying them away from the jungle and toward New England. The brothers couldn’t have known it then, but the supplies might be something unexpected.
