Steps to the Sun
A Historical Novel Based on the Life of Joseph Godfrey
by
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“Welcome, Benny,” Joseph said as he stood within a few feet, looking directly into the eyes of the Brave, while being careful not to look at the squaw or child. But in his peripheral vision he could see both were in poor condition and the child was shaking with cold.
“Greetings, Emigary,” Benny responded. The title “Emigary” is one that has to be earned and generally means “trusted friend”, a high title only occasionally given by the Indians. “The winter too long. Squaw and papoose have no meat,” Then Benny glanced down at the child, and added, “Are cold.” Even though he never mentioned himself, Joseph could tell he was as cold and hungry as they were and was probably there on the insistence of the squaw.
Joseph waited what seemed like an hour to Billy, but actually was only a few seconds, then with only a hint of a smile, he responded, “All my family is here. We have just finished our meal. We have some extra. Come to the house while we fix it for you.” Joseph stepped so he was directly between Benny and Billy, facing Billy and said softly, “I wouldn’t bring them into the house with the little kids there, but they’re so cold. Send the little ones into another room. Ask Mary to wrap up the leftovers. I’ll be a bit slow bringing them to the house.”
When Joseph and the Indians walked into the house, the warmth of the house and smell of the meal overwhelmed their senses and their eyes darted uncontrollably to the stove where Mary was wrapping up some food. They unconsciously licked their lips as their mouths begin to water. The stoic adults stood as if at attention while the youngster shuffled back and forth in anticipation of the food. Mary, realizing they were extremely cold and was basking in the warmth of the house, purposely dragged out the chore she was doing, giving them a few more minutes of warmth. When Mary finished wrapping the food, she didn’t give it to Benny. She handed it to Joseph, who then handed it to Benny.
“Be strong, my friend,” Joseph said as he handed the food to Benny.
“Thank you, Emigray,” said Benny as he nodded to Joseph. The nod was a rare show of a measure of respect and gratitude. Benny put the package under his thin coat and spun around to make his exit. The squaw, in an even rarer show of emotion, looked directly into Joseph’s eyes and with her eyes moist, she silently mouthed the words, “Thank You”. The Indians quickly moved out of sight before they ate any of the food.
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About the Book
It is early 1800s England and seven-year-old Joseph Godfrey is shouldering much more responsibility than most children his age. As if being left in charge of the house and his younger sister is not enough, Joseph must also endure physical abuse from his drunken father. One night after a beating renders him unconscious, Joseph decides to run away.
After leaving his sister with a neighbor, Joseph heads toward the docks, slips onto a whaling ship, and hides in a blubber barrel. Now a stowaway with no other plan than to escape his dreadful past, Joseph is horrified when he is soon discovered. After he is taken to the ship’s kindly captain who agrees to let him stay aboard, Joseph grows, matures, and learns what it is like to be part of a family. Some twenty-five years later when a tragic event pushes Joseph and his friend, George, to leave the ship while in New York Harbor, Joseph begins yet another adventure that takes him across the American frontier to the Rocky Mountains.
Steps to the Sun retraces the steps of an English boy who escapes his father’s wrath and begins a remarkable coming-of-age journey on a ship and beyond as he discovers love, blessings, and most importantly, himself.
“A must read for anyone interested in the expansion and settling of the American frontier …” —Carol Astle, descendant
About the Author
Linden Fielding earned a degree in Agricultural and Irrigation Engineering at Utah State University, married his wife, Ann, raised their five children on the farm, and then became general manager of an international construction company. Now retired in League City, Texas, Linden devotes his time to researching the lives of notable ancestors.