Chapter One

November 15th, 1907

      It is a lovely day to begin an adventure. At the time of this writing, my beautiful ship, The Snow Princess, has left the harbor and started the long journey to Antarctica. Long have I dreamed of this day. The day I could set sail on such a voyage. I fully expect the events in the coming months to propel me to the height of the great explorers that have come before me. While I do not know what I will find when I arrive, there must be some great discovery to be made in this unknown territory.

      And who knows? If the land is hospitable, we may very well be on the verge of discovering a new country. Edmundia? Perhaps Hoggleton? I kind of like the sound of both of them.

      I feel like the hard part is over. I have hit numerous walls and struggles over the past three months in preparation for this trip. People I thought were my friends turned against me, questioning whether I was in my right mind. They thought I had finally gone over the edge to the other side of insanity.
      They’ve never seen a dream fulfilled, I fear.

      I have wanted this for as long as I can remember. And it is finally a reality. I only wish that my wife and my son could be here to enjoy it with me. Alas, they will have to be content with the largest mansion in Hogstonia, for I’m sure, once we have settled this new land, I will, invariably, feel compelled to live there. I suppose that’s only right. After all, the new peoples we’re bound to discover will undoubtedly crown me their king, for I will introduce them to new technology and science, the level of which they have never seen.
      I’m sure that I will be seen as a god.

      The Snow Princess is fully stocked and ready to go. She’s a fine vessel. She needs to be. The road ahead is a long one. However, I have taken care in choosing which supplies to bring. To avoid scurvy, a common ailment among sailors, I have chosen the finest fruit in England. To ensure we make a swift and true journey, I have hired the finest crew money can buy. Our ship is ready to go and I am happy.

      So far, I have been impressed with my crew. They are obedient and strong. While I don’t yet have the hang of all of these nautical concepts and commands, many of them have been sailing their entire life. As sailors through and through, they are naturals at working all of the ballasts and sails and such and I’ve found that my command isn’t necessarily needed. Alas, I must continue to give what orders I know to give. I wouldn’t want to lose my position as Captain.
      Yes. A mutiny would be a very bad thing.

      Best not to think of it. For spirits are high and I have received divine word, through my daily prayers, that God favors our voyage. If I subscribed to such beliefs as Divine Intervention, I would say that God has destined me to go on this journey. Alas, I do not hold such religious ideals. I can only say that God favors our voyage.

      As it stands, I feel that we shall arrive at our destination by December. We have enough supplies, properly rationed out, to last us until April of next year. I feel that this will give us plenty of food for the trip back as well.

      To my mother and father: I wish that you too could see me now. I have no doubt in my mind that you would have been disappointed in my purchase at first, but changed your minds once you saw what this means to me. You never stopped supporting me in any of my endeavors. I know that, somewhere, you are looking down on me, as I stand on the deck of my ship. And I know that you’re proud of me.
      Thank you.

Sincerely,
Capt. Edmund M. Hogglesforth