“This is Faneuil Hall,” Daisy said. “It’s been a marketplace and meeting hall since 1743. They call it ‘The Cradle of Liberty’ because it’s where revolutionaries and patriots gathered to speak out against British tyranny.”
Callan did not care for the English, well, except for William and his family at Blackford Castle.
Inside, the high ceilings and tall windows struck him. Stalls and shops lined the walls, selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods.
They climbed the stairs to the second floor, where a large meeting hall opened up before him. The weight of history hung heavy in the air, and Callan wondered, did Blackford still stand in this time? Were William’s ancestors lord of the castle? Did they still have lords? Daisy told him the King of England no longer had power and America didn’t have a monarch, only a president. The world was in chaos.
“They say Samuel Adams and James Otis gave speeches here that helped spark the American Revolution,” Daisy said. Then she smiled. “I worked as a tour guide one summer and I have a good memory.”
“’Tis a powerful thing,” He said softly, “when people come together to fight for what they believe in.”
Daisy nodded, taking his hand in hers. “It’s what this place represents. The spirit of democracy and the power of the people to shape their own destiny.”
The next place they visited was the Old North Church.
“This is where they hung the lanterns back in 1775,” Daisy explained. “‘One if by land, two if by sea.’ It was the famous signal warning that the British were coming at the start of the Revolutionary War.”
As they entered the church, Callan marveled at the pews, soaring balconies, and gleaming chandeliers. Daisy led him down the center aisle towards the altar. Their footsteps echoing in the quiet sanctuary.
“It’s so peaceful in here,” Daisy said softly. “It’s amazing to think how this place played such an important role in history. The American Revolution and the birth of a new nation.”
Callan nodded slowly. “Aye, ’tis a bit like going into battle, I suppose. The signal that the enemy forces were on the move, rousin’ the clan to take up arms.”
Daisy smiled at him, seeming to sense his thoughts. “I guess some things are constant throughout history. People rising up to fight against tyranny and oppression.”
When they went outside, Callan blinked in the bright sunlight. He’d gotten a few odd looks for wearing his boots with his sweating pants, but Daisy said, not to worry, they’d go shopping soon though she had made him wear a different shirt. He hadn’t wanted to buy clothes first, instead wishing to see her city.
As they approached the USS Constitution, Callan couldn’t help but stare in awe at the massive wooden ship before them. Its tall masts reached towards the sky.
“Let me put on my tour guide hat again,” Daisy said, eyes sparkling.
“She’s the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world. Launched in 1797, she fought in the War of 1812 and earned the nickname ‘Old Ironsides’ because enemy cannonballs seemed to bounce right off her thick hull.”
Callan let out a low whistle, impressed by the sheer size and majesty of the vessel. “Ye say she’s still seaworthy after all these years?”
Daisy nodded. “She’s been restored and maintained over the years, but much of her original structure is still intact. Let’s go aboard.”
They crossed the gangplank and stepped onto the deck of the Constitution. Callan marveled at the smooth, worn planks beneath his feet, imagining the countless sailors who had trod these same boards over the centuries.
“Look at the size of those cannons,” Callan said, gesturing to the rows of guns lining the sides of the ship.
Daisy led him below decks, where they explored the cramped quarters where the crew lived and worked. The low ceilings and narrow passageways made him feel closed in. He did not like being underground or under the water.
As they emerged back onto the deck, Callan took a deep breath of the salty sea air and gazed out over the harbor.
“Thank ye for bringing me here,” Callan said softly.
She squeezed his hand. “Has anything come back to you?”
“Nay, lass. Not yet.” As much as Callan wanted to tell her the truth, he did not think she would believe him, and he sorely needed her aid to find a way for him to return home. Soon. Soon he’d tell her the truth.
As they disembarked from the USS Constitution, he was full of excitement at all he had seen.
Daisy stifled a yawn. “I’m usually the one bouncing off the walls, but I’m tired today.”
Callan grinned, his eyes sparkling. “Aye, there’s so much to see and learn in this place. I didna mean to tire ye out with all my questions.”
“No, no, it’s fine,” Daisy reassured him, waving off his apology. “I’m just not used to doing the tour guide thing, not anymore. Usually, I spend my afternoons walking dogs, not traipsing through history.”
