Robert stood in the prow of the ship as close as he could get to the railing. The Desert Fox crashed through the waves, sending cool seawater spraying over him. The day was fine and clear. The sun glittered on the water, making it look like an ocean of gems.
They’d been at sea for two days now and Robert had spent most of those sleeping. His body felt rested and his mind clearer than it had in days.
He took a deep breath, savoring the salt smell in the air. He was reminded again how much he loved the water. The snap of the ship’s flag drew his gaze up to the three hundred yards of cloth pulled taut by the wind. Three masts creaked at the strain. If the wind held, they might make the crossing in less than a month.
He looked down at the water. The only thing missing that would make the day perfect was a few dolphins to watch.
“Morning, sir.”
Robert turned to see Ako headed toward him. “Good morning, Ako.”
“I do not see your fine companions this morning. Sleeping in?”
Robert smiled. Blade and Shara were definitely not sleeping in.
“No, this is their first time sailing and they haven’t gotten their sea legs yet.”
He didn’t add that besides the beautiful weather the main reason he was on deck was that he couldn’t stand to listen to the ladies throw up any longer.
“The cabins were satisfactory then?”
“Perfectly.”
“Not too small?”
Robert laughed. “I’ve never been on a ship that had big enough cabins. As ship’s cabins go, these are better than most.”
Ako was wringing his hands and fidgeting. It seemed painfully obvious he wanted to ask something but couldn’t work up the nerve.
Finally Robert asked, “Something on your mind, sailor?”
“The young lady with you is very beautiful,” Ako said then quickly added, “So is the older lady. I meant no offense.”
Robert chuckled to himself. “Best not let Blade hear you call her the older lady. She’s apt to cut your liver out and fry it for her supper.”
Not that she could keep it down at the moment.
The young man smiled weakly and managed a halfhearted laugh. “I will keep that in mind, sir.”
Robert let his smile fade. “I’m not kidding, son. Best control your tongue around Blade.”
“Yes, sir, but the other girl, I was wondering if it would be all right for me to talk to her.”
“Sure, but I wouldn’t get your hopes up. She’s already spoken for. Her intended is a wizard, and the worst kind at that.”
Ako looked crestfallen. “What kind is that?”
“Excuse me?”
“The wizard, you said he’s the worst kind, I wanted to know what kind that was.”
“Oh, he’s the jealous kind. Unless you fancy a short life as a frog, I recommend you be on your best behavior around the young lady.”
Ako had turned a sickly shade of green, no doubt contemplating life as a frog. “Thank you for the warning, sir.”
“Not at all, my fine young friend, and call me Robert. Sir just doesn’t fit. Now, on to a more pleasant subject. Do you suppose anyone would object to my taking a turn in the crow’s nest? I haven’t climbed a mast in years. I’d like to see if the view is as splendid as I remember.”
“You love the sea,” Ako said.
Robert nodded, looking wistfully out over the water. “I was raised on a ship. I’ve spent more of my life walking a ship’s deck than on solid ground. It’s been five years since I’ve had the pleasure of sailing. Now I find it’s everything I remember and more.”
“I know what you mean. I’ve only been sailing for four years, but I can’t imagine a life away from the water.”
“Why so many ships?”
Ako blushed. “I was wondering when you’d ask. I noticed the funny look you gave me when I mentioned it. Don’t worry, I’m not a troublemaker. I parted on good terms with the other captains I’ve sailed with. The problem is they all sail in just one little part of the world and I wanted to see more. So when I got bored, I’d leave and try another ship. This is my second crossing of the Sea of Torments and I’m already getting bored.”
Robert smiled good-naturedly at the boy. “I understand. I’ve sailed all the seas but two, the Sea of Ice in the north and the Dead Sea. I hope to cross them both someday.”
Ako smiled back. “Me too, Robert.”
“Well I’d best check on my companions. If I’m up here too long, they’ll think I’m having fun while they suffer. Fair winds, my young friend.”
“Smooth water, Robert.” Ako started away then turned back. “I’ll ask the captain about the crow’s nest.”
Robert waved his thanks then disappeared belowdecks.