Two Tamas In Paradise; Episode 8, Sublime

This is the eighth episode of the novel Two Tamas in Paradise. It is the fourth novel in the Trace Troy South Pacific Adventure series. It will be posted in episodes. The plan is for two or three a week. There are fifty episodes. It has not been published yet. The reader is given a sneak preview. 

It suffices to say that because this is one novel in a series, there may be things not understood unless one knows what has taken place in previous novels from this series. Here is a link to the first novel in the series: The Big Gamble in Paradise, paperback or Kindle.

Sublime

Bright, clear blue waters of Palmerston Island greeted the crew of The Tramp Islander. The sails had been dropped a mile from shore. Trace motored to within hailing distance and switched the engine off. Sage released the anchor, and it splashed into the translucent, tranquil blue.  

“How much chain?” Trace called through the intercom to Sage.

Sage looked at the anchor’s chain and held up one finger, followed by an open hand.

“Fifteen,” Trace replied.

Sage signaled a thumbs-up.

Trace walked to the bow where Sage stood and viewed the island. 

“This has to be the most beautiful place on earth,” Sage said. “The blue water and white sandy beach, I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what I’m feeling. I’ve never felt it before. I’ve always been a sucker for blue eyes, now I know why. It’s the perfect color. It makes you calm.”

“You’re becoming a poet,” Trace joked.

“I mean it, Trace, I’ve never felt so full and satisfied in my life,” Sage said.

Trace stood for a moment. 

“What do you think…” Sage started to say.

“Shhh,” Trace said softly. “I want to feel what you feel.”

Trace cleared his mind. He emptied it of doubt, anxiety, and concern. He thought only of what he saw; crystal clear blue shimmering waters, white sandy beaches encircling thick groves of swaying lush verdant palm trees. 

The silence became uncomfortable for Sage. “What’s wrong?” He asked.

“I want to go there,” Trace said, “but I fear my presence will spoil it all. Or maybe it could swallow and digest me. Then I’m a part of it.”

“Look who’s become the poet all of the sudden,” Sage smiled.

“That’s what happens when things touch places within the part of that you never knew existed,” Trace said.

“Are we going ashore?” Sage said.

“Only if invited,” Trace said. “When the anchor splashed, that’s  the knock at the door.”