But after last night’s fiasco, he wished he had refused them passage! A smart captain should have realized two single women aboard a ship of tense and bored men spelled trouble! Shurling had decided it was not his place to judge their motives or to prevent their trip. Everyone wondered what two attractive and gentle females could do in that lonely, perilous location. To Captain Shurling, it seemed absurd for two women to be heading for Alaska, especially since they were not going there to become saloon girls. But Shurling’s motive was hardly unselfish he wished to avoid any trouble which might stain his presently spotless record.

But this particular voyage included two passengers who inspired amusement and intrigue: two lovely and daring females, a young widow with vivid red hair and a striking blonde of eighteen.Ĭaptain Cyrus Shurling had taken the women under his wing for protection from the rowdy men who flooded his lower decks with their piles of gear. The Victoria crew was experienced, pleased with a leader who knew these treacherous waters as well as the lines on his weather-crinkled hands. As with most ships which made this voyage up the Inside Passage to that beckoning land of golden promise, the vessel was packed with goldobsessed men.

The steamship Victoria was sailing a hazardous course from Seattle to Skagway. My heart’s not as frozen as this glacial frontier Will freedom be as golden when Kat’s no longer here? Now the moment has come when I must choose Which of these treasures I will recklessly lose. Defeat glazes her eyes, her tears and dreams all spent Without even knowing, she became my Golden Torment. Love accepted this challenge, my strong will to tame Though I must forgive her changes, for I am to blame.Ī woman was molded from hardship and despair Even knowing me well, offered her heart with a dare. With eyes of richest sapphire, complexion of pearl Yet, commitment had no place in my carefree world.Īdventure my first love, danger controlling my day Like gold, Love charms a dreamer, taking his freedom away.

My elusive search began, conquering frozen earth I discovered a treasure, a nugget of rare worth. Challenging Fate to control my own destiny Alaska boldly offered her golden prosperity. Many are the hardships in a vast, bitter land Suffering and strife, close companions to man.

Golden Torment by Janelle Taylor