* * *
Cyfe struggled to lift his eyelids. They felt like they had sandbags tied to
them. They finally opened and he looked at his surroundings. Rukoe was tied up
to a stake next to him, and Cyfe could see that he was also tied in the same
fashion.
"Globespree!" he said, "How did you get here?
"Same way as you, mate." Globespree was tied to a similar stake, on the other
side of a roaring fire. "The little beasts jumped me. Do you know what they are?
"No, I only saw them for a second before they knocked me out. Then I woke up
here." A little trickle of blood was running down the side of his head and it
itched terribly. He couldn't scratch it, or even put his hand up to see where it
was coming from on his head.
"How's Rukoe?" Globespree asked.
"He looks alright, he's breathing well and he doesn't seem to have any cuts on
his head. Oh wait, he's coming around."
Rukoe let out a low moan and opened his eyes. "Ooow. My head hurts. It feels
like someone has been hitting it with a hammer. Globespree! I'm sure glad we
found you."
"Well I'm not. That is unless you have some way of getting free. Or the rest of
the crew is coming up around the trail. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but
I think that those little savages are going to eat us." Globespree said.
They all stared into the fire for a moment and then Cyfe said "Rukoe, do you
think you could cut through the vines with your claws?"
"I'm surprised that I didn't think of that." Rukoe said. He extended his claws,
which helped him to climb trees under normal circumstances. "I can barely reach
the vines by bending my wrist as far as I can. After I get a good tear going
then mabey I can force it to break." When Rukoe had cut the vine as far as he
could, his muscles bulged out, as he strained to part the vine. There was a loud
snap, and he was free. He immediately ran over to Cyfe and began to cut him
lose. Suddenly a noose slipped around his neck, and he was jerked back, so that
he fell down.
"Howa niccce. Dissa one cut heself looossse, so we donnave to." The strange
voice issued out of one of the little creatures. It was the first time that Cyfe
and Globespree had seen one clearly. It was short, and thin, with thin hair all
over it's body. It's arms and legs looked quite strong, and it reminded Cyfe
somehow of a frog, with it's semi green skin. It didn't quite have claws, or
fingernails, it was in-between both. It walked slightly stooped over, and
carried a primitive ax in the vine that held up it's ragged garments.
More of the creatures began to pop out of the woodwork, until the area was
crawling with them. They all carried axes, made out of wood and rock, or in some
cases bone. There was one, who was a little bigger than the rest and carried a
real metal ax, that was obviously the leader. He stood in front of the rest, and
looked at Cyfe, Globespree, and Rukoe, who was on the floor, being held down by
seven of the creatures. He licked his lips, showing sharp little teeth, and said
"Nowww, we eeeatssss ummm."
All of the little creatures rushed first over to Globespree, and then Cyfe,
untying them from the stake. All three of the sailors were dragged, struggling
and kicking over to three large slabs of rock, where they were tied down, belly
up. All of the creatures found a seat and looked expectantly at the leader. He
raised a knife looking object and held it over Cyfe.
Right before he could plunge it down an arrow took him through the throat. He
let out a wail and collapsed on the ground, gurgling. A split second later, a
sling stone took out the creature right next to him.
"EEEMMMPRRRRROOOOOOOOONNNNNE" A war cry rang out through the forest as the crew
of the Emprone came thundering in, lead by Koldo, Gykojo, and Tigoye. Creatures
flew high in the air as the blades of Gykojo's ax, and Tigoye's sword hit them.
The creatures had their weapons out quickly, and they outnumbered the crew by
three to one. But the crew had the element of surprise. Koldo quickly fought his
way to Cyfe's side. He cut the vines that held him to the stone and handed him
his glod. Warben, wielding one of his butcher knives, had freed Rukoe and given
him his short sword. Rukoe then freed Globespree, and they fought their way to
the edge of the melee. Once they were there the crew began to retreat, loosing
sling stones and arrows behind them to stop the creatures from advancing.
"Why are we running away? Let's finish these evil creatures once and for all."
Tigoye said, the battle light in his eyes.
"Because they outnumber us by far, and there is no need to stay and kill more of
them." Koldo said. "I don't like to kill things for no reason."
"But what about other travelers who land here? Won't they get attacked?"
"I plan to inform the Rima once we get back to the continent. They can make this
island off limits or whatever. No one will probably land her until we do that.
And the creatures will fight among themselves, now that they were robbed of
their food. I wouldn't be surprised if they even tried to eat each other." Koldo
explained.
The crew made it back to the ship in one piece. A few were wounded, but
surprisingly there were no deaths. They set sail immediately, towing the burned
out pirate ship along behind them.
"What are we going to do with that?" Cyfe asked Koldo.
"Once we are out a ways we will drill holes into the sides and let it sink to
the bottom." Koldo said. "Now, how in the world did you get yourselves get
captured like that?"
Cyfe told Koldo the whole story, and then Koldo relayed what had happened to
them. They were both very joyous that everyone had survived alright. Cyfe was
upset that he and Rukoe didn't get to go to the pirate boat to collect swords
and weapons. Koldo didn't want him to see that bloody carnage.
* * *
That evening, they had a victory celebration, which came in the form of a huge
feast. The entire crew sat around the rim of the deck, eating and talking. Koldo
didn't force Cyfe to eat anything he didn't want. This was in part because Cyfe
and Rukoe got to help Warben, Gykojo, and Tigoye in preparing it.
While they were making it Gykojo and Tigoye were arguing about everything.
"No, no, Tigoye, you have to slice the carrots thinner than that so they can get
all tender and soft all throughout. If you do it like that, when their done
cooking they will be all hard on the inside."
"Why don't you pay attention to your own food. Those pastries could use a bit
more honey if you ask me. If you leave them like that they will taste like
dirt."
"You should know what dirt tastes like. You used to cook for your self all the
time."
"Your food will taste like dishwater compared to mine, Gykojo."
"You want dish water? I'll give you dishwater!" SPLOOOSH
"You got it up my nose you imbecile! Now all I'll be able to smell is greasy
pans!"
"I think that would be quite better than having to smell yourself all the time,
dirt-face!"
Every one had a great time at the feast. There was much singing and laughing.
Gykojo's lemon drepper drink was fabulous, and everyone had nice things to say
about Tigoye's soup.
3
The Emprone blew into the port of Sijowska a few windy days later. It had begun
to rain the day after the adventure on the island, and hadn't let up except for
once, and that was only for a few dozen minutes. Cyfe was excited to touch land
again after being kept on a boat for three days. Rukoe was slightly reluctant to
go on land, not only because he loved boat life, but also because he was quite
shy.
Cyfe helped Gykojo to lower the wooden gang plank, which clunked onto the wooden
dock. There were a few other ships in the port; one huge war ship with masts
that were twice as tall as the Emprone's, two small fishing boats, and a
pleasure yacht.
Sijowska was a small port, and the only one on the island of that same name. The
island of Sijowska was covered mostly with trees. On the south end, where the
port was, there were a few small shops, which sold supplies, or were trading
posts. North from the port, higher up on the dark brown earth but still among
the greenery, was the long house of Yachtimo, a meature who had been longtime
friends with Koldo and Warben, the later being his brother.
Koldo brought Warben, Cyfe, and Rukoe up to see Yachtimo and his whife in his
long house, leaving the crew to wander among the shops or rest on the boat.
The house was not only long but also wide, being larger than the whole of the
Emprone. It was very solid, and looked as if it had withstood the winds and
weather of many years. It was relatively short, which helped it to catch as
little wind as possible, except for on the west end where there was a room stuck
on the roof, which was the master bedroom. The whole house had been built of a
dark, reddish wood which grew in abundance on the lower part of the island.
Once they were inside, out of the wind and rain, Cyfe and Rukoe felt completely
at home with the comfortable, cozy red walls surrounding them, and a cheery fire
burning in the stone fireplace.
Yachtimo's wife came out of the kitchen holding a plate of freshly baked
brownies with powdered sugar baked on the top.
She immediately set down the plate on an old worn table as she saw the sailors.
"Well now lookie there. If it isn't the bold young Koldo and his hearty crew."
She rushed over to hug them with sugary paws. "Yachtimo, look what the wind just
blew in." She called through the door to another large comfortable room.
Yachtimo came out of the other room wearing large black sailing boots and
smoking a pipe. "Well stipe me whiskers, if it isn't the bold young Koldo and
his hearty crew." Yachtimo came bounding over to shake Koldo's hand. "And look
it's me little brother Warben, here on one of his long sea voyages. Harr Harr
Harr. How have you been matey?" Yachtimo enveloped Warben in a huge hug, which
nearly knocked all of the air out of him.
As soon as he was released Warben wandered over to the fresh brownies. "I've
been excellent. I couldn't be happier right now. That is unless I could cook
like Omitchay." He put his hand behind his back, out of view and took one of the
brownies. He then sauntered over to the fireplace, keeping his back to everyone
else, who knew what he was doing, and with a quick motion turned around to the
fireplace and pretended to study it while he ate the brownie.
"That would be me brother!" Yachtimo laughed, "Always going for the food." He
walked over and prodded Warben in his large tummy with his pipe. "So, where are
you boys off to? No doubt on some journey to find rich pearls or fine silks."
"Actually we are on an exploratory mission, Yachtimo." Koldo stated. "We're
trying to find new lands and new peoples. We're planning to be gone for quite a
while. The Rima gave us a commission to do it."
"Would you stay and have dinner with us?" Omitchay asked Koldo. "We rarely get
very many visitors." Omitchay picked the tray back up and carried it into the
kitchen, the smell of brownies wreathing the room.
Cyfe was about to decline, on account of getting back on the sea before
nightfall, but at an imploring look from Warben he said, "We would be
delighted."
They sat around for a few minutes on comfortable wooden couches, covered with
moss and some kind of soft material. They discussed ships and new kinds of sails
and trading and all sorts of things until Omitchay came back in to announce that
the table was set and ready to be eaten on.
The table was set with wooden bowls and other items, which Yachtimo had carved
for his wife.
"Remember these bowls, Warben?" Yachtimo asked as they piled their plates high
with freshly lemon-cooked, steaming salmon. "I was making them for Omitchay as a
wedding present a few days before we were wed. That was the day we were attacked
by those pirates. When we were out fishing in the bay. I remember looking up
from my carvings and I saw this huge pirate ship bearin' down on us. Fortunately
they weren't after us, they was bein' chased by one of the Rima war ships. They
had just plundered a nearby island. Good thing that war ship was around or they
might've gotten me as a galley slave, and Warben as an oar."
"Probably would've been you as the oar an' me as the galley slave, brother. I
don't think I would've fit out o' one o' them holes." Warben chuckled. "I had
quite a tummy on me back then."
"What d'you mean back then?" Yachtimo asked. "You've still got quite a tummy."
Koldo interrupted the story. "So what have you heard of pirates lately,
Yachtimo?" He asked.
Yachtimo immediately became sober. He pushed pieces of fish around his plate
with his fork. "Nothin' but bad news. I've heard they've got a new organization,
called the Joule-Scuttlers. The Rima have been scouring the seas for them, but
they can't seem to find them. Every now and then a burning ship is spotted, crew
all dead, with the sign of the Joule-Scuttlers stuck on one o' their backs.
Can't ever seem to catch the pirates though. It's rumored that they got
themselves some kind o' island that's their headquarters. Used to be the home of
the Splicken, but all o' them are dead, and no one knows where their island was.
The Joule-Scuttlers must have a really good leader, to kill off what was left o'
the Splicken. Some of the burning ships that have been found were Rima war ships
that the Joule-Scuttlers somehow managed to defeat. Don't know how they did it.
The Rima have been invincible for years. They've got one Rima to each ship. It
was thought that no-one could beat a Rima in battle. That is unless it was a
Splicken. Though they never fought."
"Mabey the Joule-Scuttlers have leaders that are of some foreign race. Perhaps
they are even more cunning than the Splicken. They would have to be, to take
over their island. I still don't see how they could have defeated a Rima
warship." Koldo said.
"What exactly is Rima? I know that they are the rulers of the continent, but
I've never actually seen one." Cyfe wondered aloud.
"Well they're tall, noble and strict. Though they can be very kind and
generous." Koldo answered.
"Yes, but what do they look like?" Cyfe questioned.
"I don't really know, other than they're tall. I've only had a few glimpses of
one. They're not nearly as common as humans or meatures." Koldo told him.
"I've seen one close up before." Warben said. "It was that day we were fishing
in the bay. You saw him Yachtimo. He was on that war ship chasin' the pirates.
He was quite tall, the tallest being I've ever seen. Almost his whole body was
covered with clothes, as if it was extremely cold for him here. They came out o'
the warm south. His head wall all covered with armor-like scales, as was the
rest of his body I'll reckon. If it hadn't been for the kind smile on his face,
he would have looked quite evil. I could tell he wasn't though. Out of his mouth
there were two large fangs coming down. He looked pretty thin, but immensely
strong."
"You could also see his hands, remember Warben?" Yachtimo said. "They were
covered in green scales like his face. He had long fingers and claws, not unlike
meatures. His scales were small. Like a fish's so that from a distance you
wouldn't be able to see them. At his side he carried a rapier. I wouldn't want
to face him in battle. I remember they brought us onto the ship, since our boat
had been smashed by the hull of the pirate ship. He smiled at me, and spoke out
orders to the crew in a low gruff voice. I wish I had had a chance to talk to
him more."
"What about Splicken? What do they look like?" Rukoe asked.
"Can't really tell you. I've never seen one before. Have you, Warben?" Answered
Yachtimo.
"I never have, you Koldo?"
"Don't look at me, I've only had a glimpse of a Rima. How about you Omitchay,
you're father used to have all kinds of visitors at his castle didn't he?"
Omitchay's father had been the ruler of a small coastal province on the
continent.
"I've never seen one, I would always be in the kitchen learning to cook from my
mother. I was never really interested in strangers. I have heard that they were
great warriors though."
"I sure would like to meet one." Rukoe said wistfully.
"You mean you would've liked to meat one. They're extinct now." Yachtimo said.
"How did such great warriors come to be extinct? I thought no one could beat
them in battle.."
"Well there weren't many of them to start with. Some of them were evil to. They
probably died in battles, fighting amongst themselves." Warben answered him
sadly. "My this is excellent salmon, Omitchay." He said to change the subject.
"You must give me the recipe."
"There's not much of a recipe. I just clean the fish, take out the bones, then
pour lemon juice over them. That's what gives them the good taste. Then you cook
them until the inside is steamy white. You don't want to overcook them or
they'll become dry. Then serve them with fresh lemon slices." Omitchay stated.
"They are fine tasting lemons. Where do you get 'em?" Warben asked, while
chewing some of the tender fish. He picked up a slice of lemon and sucked on it
while she gave her answer.
"Actually just down at that second little shop, down at the port. Just go in and
tell Rion that I want him to give you the best lemons he has."
"Thank you. I shall do that." Warben nodded his head in a thank you. The sailors
finished the rest of their fish and downed it with sweet tasting strawberry
cordial.
They all sat around the table while Omitchay cleared it off. "Well, I guess we'd
better get going, or the crew will be wondering where we've gotten to. Omitchay,
thank you for the wonderful dinner. I haven't ever had one like it. Yachtimo,
thank you for you're hospitality." Koldo said.
They all said their good-byes and then Koldo and company went back out of the
sturdy house.
It was pitch black outside. They could only see a few feet past the lighted
doorway. Koldo led them cautiously down the slippery stone trail to the dock,
where the gangplank was down and waiting for them.
* * *
The next evening was just as cold and rainy as the previous one. If you didn't
know it you wouldn't be able to tell that it was even spring. The rain pounded
down on the deck of the Emprone, where it quickly slid off, under the rails, or
stayed on in small puddles. Koldo had carefully battened down the hatch leading
below deck, or else the water would have collected and there would have been
surplus bilge water.
Cyfe and Rukoe had begged Koldo to let them take the night shift, since they had
become bored with the day watch. After much pestering Koldo finally gave in.
Cyfe and Rukoe hadn't expected it to be so cold and rainy, but they were
determined to stay up in the crow's nest until morning. They sat huddled
together under a mass of blankets, on two chairs which they had dragged up, with
the help of Rukoe's amazing climbing skills.
"Well, this was a great idea." Cyfe complained. "I'll never get mad about having
day shift again."
"Oh I don't know, it isn't to bad under a pile of blankets. Why don't I take
first watch and you can get a little sleep?" Rukoe said.
"Thanks, that sounds like a great Idea." Cyfe shut his eyes and leaned back in
his chair. Soon he was snoring gently.
Rukoe sat up for about two hours. Every now and then he would have to get up and
shake himself back into wakefulness, since there really wasn't much to do, and
the monotony of the waves crashing against the boat would begin to lull him to
sleep. One hour later Rukoe shook Cyfe awake, saying "You're turn to watch for a
while Cyfe. I'm going to sleep."
Cyfe was confused by the darkness. "But you've been watching for only a few
minutes."
"No, it only seems that way because it's so dark. Good night." Rukoe plonked
himself down on the floor of the crow's nest and was instantly asleep.
Cyfe leaned against the rail and looked out into the inky blackness. Mist was
rising up out of the sea. He took his glod out and began to untie the rope so
that he would have something to do. He desperately wished for his hammock down
in the hold. It was nice and soft with a thick warm blanket over it. "Not like
this dripping wet blanket." He thought. Cyfe slipped the stick from his glod
into a special sheath he had made on his back. The rock and rope slipped to the
deck as sat down in his chair leaning against the mast, which came up the center
of the crow's nest.
Cyfe began to see shapes in the mist. First he saw his house in a little grove
on the continent, then there was floating before him a huge building, with
spires reaching to the heavens. Cyfe's eye lids began to drop lower and lower.
Was that a ship in the mist? No probably just another allusion. Cyfe dropped
peacefully into the lands of slumber.
Cyfe struggled to lift his eyelids. They felt like they had sandbags tied to
them. They finally opened and he looked at his surroundings. Rukoe was tied up
to a stake next to him, and Cyfe could see that he was also tied in the same
fashion.
"Globespree!" he said, "How did you get here?
"Same way as you, mate." Globespree was tied to a similar stake, on the other
side of a roaring fire. "The little beasts jumped me. Do you know what they are?
"No, I only saw them for a second before they knocked me out. Then I woke up
here." A little trickle of blood was running down the side of his head and it
itched terribly. He couldn't scratch it, or even put his hand up to see where it
was coming from on his head.
"How's Rukoe?" Globespree asked.
"He looks alright, he's breathing well and he doesn't seem to have any cuts on
his head. Oh wait, he's coming around."
Rukoe let out a low moan and opened his eyes. "Ooow. My head hurts. It feels
like someone has been hitting it with a hammer. Globespree! I'm sure glad we
found you."
"Well I'm not. That is unless you have some way of getting free. Or the rest of
the crew is coming up around the trail. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but
I think that those little savages are going to eat us." Globespree said.
They all stared into the fire for a moment and then Cyfe said "Rukoe, do you
think you could cut through the vines with your claws?"
"I'm surprised that I didn't think of that." Rukoe said. He extended his claws,
which helped him to climb trees under normal circumstances. "I can barely reach
the vines by bending my wrist as far as I can. After I get a good tear going
then mabey I can force it to break." When Rukoe had cut the vine as far as he
could, his muscles bulged out, as he strained to part the vine. There was a loud
snap, and he was free. He immediately ran over to Cyfe and began to cut him
lose. Suddenly a noose slipped around his neck, and he was jerked back, so that
he fell down.
"Howa niccce. Dissa one cut heself looossse, so we donnave to." The strange
voice issued out of one of the little creatures. It was the first time that Cyfe
and Globespree had seen one clearly. It was short, and thin, with thin hair all
over it's body. It's arms and legs looked quite strong, and it reminded Cyfe
somehow of a frog, with it's semi green skin. It didn't quite have claws, or
fingernails, it was in-between both. It walked slightly stooped over, and
carried a primitive ax in the vine that held up it's ragged garments.
More of the creatures began to pop out of the woodwork, until the area was
crawling with them. They all carried axes, made out of wood and rock, or in some
cases bone. There was one, who was a little bigger than the rest and carried a
real metal ax, that was obviously the leader. He stood in front of the rest, and
looked at Cyfe, Globespree, and Rukoe, who was on the floor, being held down by
seven of the creatures. He licked his lips, showing sharp little teeth, and said
"Nowww, we eeeatssss ummm."
All of the little creatures rushed first over to Globespree, and then Cyfe,
untying them from the stake. All three of the sailors were dragged, struggling
and kicking over to three large slabs of rock, where they were tied down, belly
up. All of the creatures found a seat and looked expectantly at the leader. He
raised a knife looking object and held it over Cyfe.
Right before he could plunge it down an arrow took him through the throat. He
let out a wail and collapsed on the ground, gurgling. A split second later, a
sling stone took out the creature right next to him.
"EEEMMMPRRRRROOOOOOOOONNNNNE" A war cry rang out through the forest as the crew
of the Emprone came thundering in, lead by Koldo, Gykojo, and Tigoye. Creatures
flew high in the air as the blades of Gykojo's ax, and Tigoye's sword hit them.
The creatures had their weapons out quickly, and they outnumbered the crew by
three to one. But the crew had the element of surprise. Koldo quickly fought his
way to Cyfe's side. He cut the vines that held him to the stone and handed him
his glod. Warben, wielding one of his butcher knives, had freed Rukoe and given
him his short sword. Rukoe then freed Globespree, and they fought their way to
the edge of the melee. Once they were there the crew began to retreat, loosing
sling stones and arrows behind them to stop the creatures from advancing.
"Why are we running away? Let's finish these evil creatures once and for all."
Tigoye said, the battle light in his eyes.
"Because they outnumber us by far, and there is no need to stay and kill more of
them." Koldo said. "I don't like to kill things for no reason."
"But what about other travelers who land here? Won't they get attacked?"
"I plan to inform the Rima once we get back to the continent. They can make this
island off limits or whatever. No one will probably land her until we do that.
And the creatures will fight among themselves, now that they were robbed of
their food. I wouldn't be surprised if they even tried to eat each other." Koldo
explained.
The crew made it back to the ship in one piece. A few were wounded, but
surprisingly there were no deaths. They set sail immediately, towing the burned
out pirate ship along behind them.
"What are we going to do with that?" Cyfe asked Koldo.
"Once we are out a ways we will drill holes into the sides and let it sink to
the bottom." Koldo said. "Now, how in the world did you get yourselves get
captured like that?"
Cyfe told Koldo the whole story, and then Koldo relayed what had happened to
them. They were both very joyous that everyone had survived alright. Cyfe was
upset that he and Rukoe didn't get to go to the pirate boat to collect swords
and weapons. Koldo didn't want him to see that bloody carnage.
* * *
That evening, they had a victory celebration, which came in the form of a huge
feast. The entire crew sat around the rim of the deck, eating and talking. Koldo
didn't force Cyfe to eat anything he didn't want. This was in part because Cyfe
and Rukoe got to help Warben, Gykojo, and Tigoye in preparing it.
While they were making it Gykojo and Tigoye were arguing about everything.
"No, no, Tigoye, you have to slice the carrots thinner than that so they can get
all tender and soft all throughout. If you do it like that, when their done
cooking they will be all hard on the inside."
"Why don't you pay attention to your own food. Those pastries could use a bit
more honey if you ask me. If you leave them like that they will taste like
dirt."
"You should know what dirt tastes like. You used to cook for your self all the
time."
"Your food will taste like dishwater compared to mine, Gykojo."
"You want dish water? I'll give you dishwater!" SPLOOOSH
"You got it up my nose you imbecile! Now all I'll be able to smell is greasy
pans!"
"I think that would be quite better than having to smell yourself all the time,
dirt-face!"
Every one had a great time at the feast. There was much singing and laughing.
Gykojo's lemon drepper drink was fabulous, and everyone had nice things to say
about Tigoye's soup.
3
The Emprone blew into the port of Sijowska a few windy days later. It had begun
to rain the day after the adventure on the island, and hadn't let up except for
once, and that was only for a few dozen minutes. Cyfe was excited to touch land
again after being kept on a boat for three days. Rukoe was slightly reluctant to
go on land, not only because he loved boat life, but also because he was quite
shy.
Cyfe helped Gykojo to lower the wooden gang plank, which clunked onto the wooden
dock. There were a few other ships in the port; one huge war ship with masts
that were twice as tall as the Emprone's, two small fishing boats, and a
pleasure yacht.
Sijowska was a small port, and the only one on the island of that same name. The
island of Sijowska was covered mostly with trees. On the south end, where the
port was, there were a few small shops, which sold supplies, or were trading
posts. North from the port, higher up on the dark brown earth but still among
the greenery, was the long house of Yachtimo, a meature who had been longtime
friends with Koldo and Warben, the later being his brother.
Koldo brought Warben, Cyfe, and Rukoe up to see Yachtimo and his whife in his
long house, leaving the crew to wander among the shops or rest on the boat.
The house was not only long but also wide, being larger than the whole of the
Emprone. It was very solid, and looked as if it had withstood the winds and
weather of many years. It was relatively short, which helped it to catch as
little wind as possible, except for on the west end where there was a room stuck
on the roof, which was the master bedroom. The whole house had been built of a
dark, reddish wood which grew in abundance on the lower part of the island.
Once they were inside, out of the wind and rain, Cyfe and Rukoe felt completely
at home with the comfortable, cozy red walls surrounding them, and a cheery fire
burning in the stone fireplace.
Yachtimo's wife came out of the kitchen holding a plate of freshly baked
brownies with powdered sugar baked on the top.
She immediately set down the plate on an old worn table as she saw the sailors.
"Well now lookie there. If it isn't the bold young Koldo and his hearty crew."
She rushed over to hug them with sugary paws. "Yachtimo, look what the wind just
blew in." She called through the door to another large comfortable room.
Yachtimo came out of the other room wearing large black sailing boots and
smoking a pipe. "Well stipe me whiskers, if it isn't the bold young Koldo and
his hearty crew." Yachtimo came bounding over to shake Koldo's hand. "And look
it's me little brother Warben, here on one of his long sea voyages. Harr Harr
Harr. How have you been matey?" Yachtimo enveloped Warben in a huge hug, which
nearly knocked all of the air out of him.
As soon as he was released Warben wandered over to the fresh brownies. "I've
been excellent. I couldn't be happier right now. That is unless I could cook
like Omitchay." He put his hand behind his back, out of view and took one of the
brownies. He then sauntered over to the fireplace, keeping his back to everyone
else, who knew what he was doing, and with a quick motion turned around to the
fireplace and pretended to study it while he ate the brownie.
"That would be me brother!" Yachtimo laughed, "Always going for the food." He
walked over and prodded Warben in his large tummy with his pipe. "So, where are
you boys off to? No doubt on some journey to find rich pearls or fine silks."
"Actually we are on an exploratory mission, Yachtimo." Koldo stated. "We're
trying to find new lands and new peoples. We're planning to be gone for quite a
while. The Rima gave us a commission to do it."
"Would you stay and have dinner with us?" Omitchay asked Koldo. "We rarely get
very many visitors." Omitchay picked the tray back up and carried it into the
kitchen, the smell of brownies wreathing the room.
Cyfe was about to decline, on account of getting back on the sea before
nightfall, but at an imploring look from Warben he said, "We would be
delighted."
They sat around for a few minutes on comfortable wooden couches, covered with
moss and some kind of soft material. They discussed ships and new kinds of sails
and trading and all sorts of things until Omitchay came back in to announce that
the table was set and ready to be eaten on.
The table was set with wooden bowls and other items, which Yachtimo had carved
for his wife.
"Remember these bowls, Warben?" Yachtimo asked as they piled their plates high
with freshly lemon-cooked, steaming salmon. "I was making them for Omitchay as a
wedding present a few days before we were wed. That was the day we were attacked
by those pirates. When we were out fishing in the bay. I remember looking up
from my carvings and I saw this huge pirate ship bearin' down on us. Fortunately
they weren't after us, they was bein' chased by one of the Rima war ships. They
had just plundered a nearby island. Good thing that war ship was around or they
might've gotten me as a galley slave, and Warben as an oar."
"Probably would've been you as the oar an' me as the galley slave, brother. I
don't think I would've fit out o' one o' them holes." Warben chuckled. "I had
quite a tummy on me back then."
"What d'you mean back then?" Yachtimo asked. "You've still got quite a tummy."
Koldo interrupted the story. "So what have you heard of pirates lately,
Yachtimo?" He asked.
Yachtimo immediately became sober. He pushed pieces of fish around his plate
with his fork. "Nothin' but bad news. I've heard they've got a new organization,
called the Joule-Scuttlers. The Rima have been scouring the seas for them, but
they can't seem to find them. Every now and then a burning ship is spotted, crew
all dead, with the sign of the Joule-Scuttlers stuck on one o' their backs.
Can't ever seem to catch the pirates though. It's rumored that they got
themselves some kind o' island that's their headquarters. Used to be the home of
the Splicken, but all o' them are dead, and no one knows where their island was.
The Joule-Scuttlers must have a really good leader, to kill off what was left o'
the Splicken. Some of the burning ships that have been found were Rima war ships
that the Joule-Scuttlers somehow managed to defeat. Don't know how they did it.
The Rima have been invincible for years. They've got one Rima to each ship. It
was thought that no-one could beat a Rima in battle. That is unless it was a
Splicken. Though they never fought."
"Mabey the Joule-Scuttlers have leaders that are of some foreign race. Perhaps
they are even more cunning than the Splicken. They would have to be, to take
over their island. I still don't see how they could have defeated a Rima
warship." Koldo said.
"What exactly is Rima? I know that they are the rulers of the continent, but
I've never actually seen one." Cyfe wondered aloud.
"Well they're tall, noble and strict. Though they can be very kind and
generous." Koldo answered.
"Yes, but what do they look like?" Cyfe questioned.
"I don't really know, other than they're tall. I've only had a few glimpses of
one. They're not nearly as common as humans or meatures." Koldo told him.
"I've seen one close up before." Warben said. "It was that day we were fishing
in the bay. You saw him Yachtimo. He was on that war ship chasin' the pirates.
He was quite tall, the tallest being I've ever seen. Almost his whole body was
covered with clothes, as if it was extremely cold for him here. They came out o'
the warm south. His head wall all covered with armor-like scales, as was the
rest of his body I'll reckon. If it hadn't been for the kind smile on his face,
he would have looked quite evil. I could tell he wasn't though. Out of his mouth
there were two large fangs coming down. He looked pretty thin, but immensely
strong."
"You could also see his hands, remember Warben?" Yachtimo said. "They were
covered in green scales like his face. He had long fingers and claws, not unlike
meatures. His scales were small. Like a fish's so that from a distance you
wouldn't be able to see them. At his side he carried a rapier. I wouldn't want
to face him in battle. I remember they brought us onto the ship, since our boat
had been smashed by the hull of the pirate ship. He smiled at me, and spoke out
orders to the crew in a low gruff voice. I wish I had had a chance to talk to
him more."
"What about Splicken? What do they look like?" Rukoe asked.
"Can't really tell you. I've never seen one before. Have you, Warben?" Answered
Yachtimo.
"I never have, you Koldo?"
"Don't look at me, I've only had a glimpse of a Rima. How about you Omitchay,
you're father used to have all kinds of visitors at his castle didn't he?"
Omitchay's father had been the ruler of a small coastal province on the
continent.
"I've never seen one, I would always be in the kitchen learning to cook from my
mother. I was never really interested in strangers. I have heard that they were
great warriors though."
"I sure would like to meet one." Rukoe said wistfully.
"You mean you would've liked to meat one. They're extinct now." Yachtimo said.
"How did such great warriors come to be extinct? I thought no one could beat
them in battle.."
"Well there weren't many of them to start with. Some of them were evil to. They
probably died in battles, fighting amongst themselves." Warben answered him
sadly. "My this is excellent salmon, Omitchay." He said to change the subject.
"You must give me the recipe."
"There's not much of a recipe. I just clean the fish, take out the bones, then
pour lemon juice over them. That's what gives them the good taste. Then you cook
them until the inside is steamy white. You don't want to overcook them or
they'll become dry. Then serve them with fresh lemon slices." Omitchay stated.
"They are fine tasting lemons. Where do you get 'em?" Warben asked, while
chewing some of the tender fish. He picked up a slice of lemon and sucked on it
while she gave her answer.
"Actually just down at that second little shop, down at the port. Just go in and
tell Rion that I want him to give you the best lemons he has."
"Thank you. I shall do that." Warben nodded his head in a thank you. The sailors
finished the rest of their fish and downed it with sweet tasting strawberry
cordial.
They all sat around the table while Omitchay cleared it off. "Well, I guess we'd
better get going, or the crew will be wondering where we've gotten to. Omitchay,
thank you for the wonderful dinner. I haven't ever had one like it. Yachtimo,
thank you for you're hospitality." Koldo said.
They all said their good-byes and then Koldo and company went back out of the
sturdy house.
It was pitch black outside. They could only see a few feet past the lighted
doorway. Koldo led them cautiously down the slippery stone trail to the dock,
where the gangplank was down and waiting for them.
* * *
The next evening was just as cold and rainy as the previous one. If you didn't
know it you wouldn't be able to tell that it was even spring. The rain pounded
down on the deck of the Emprone, where it quickly slid off, under the rails, or
stayed on in small puddles. Koldo had carefully battened down the hatch leading
below deck, or else the water would have collected and there would have been
surplus bilge water.
Cyfe and Rukoe had begged Koldo to let them take the night shift, since they had
become bored with the day watch. After much pestering Koldo finally gave in.
Cyfe and Rukoe hadn't expected it to be so cold and rainy, but they were
determined to stay up in the crow's nest until morning. They sat huddled
together under a mass of blankets, on two chairs which they had dragged up, with
the help of Rukoe's amazing climbing skills.
"Well, this was a great idea." Cyfe complained. "I'll never get mad about having
day shift again."
"Oh I don't know, it isn't to bad under a pile of blankets. Why don't I take
first watch and you can get a little sleep?" Rukoe said.
"Thanks, that sounds like a great Idea." Cyfe shut his eyes and leaned back in
his chair. Soon he was snoring gently.
Rukoe sat up for about two hours. Every now and then he would have to get up and
shake himself back into wakefulness, since there really wasn't much to do, and
the monotony of the waves crashing against the boat would begin to lull him to
sleep. One hour later Rukoe shook Cyfe awake, saying "You're turn to watch for a
while Cyfe. I'm going to sleep."
Cyfe was confused by the darkness. "But you've been watching for only a few
minutes."
"No, it only seems that way because it's so dark. Good night." Rukoe plonked
himself down on the floor of the crow's nest and was instantly asleep.
Cyfe leaned against the rail and looked out into the inky blackness. Mist was
rising up out of the sea. He took his glod out and began to untie the rope so
that he would have something to do. He desperately wished for his hammock down
in the hold. It was nice and soft with a thick warm blanket over it. "Not like
this dripping wet blanket." He thought. Cyfe slipped the stick from his glod
into a special sheath he had made on his back. The rock and rope slipped to the
deck as sat down in his chair leaning against the mast, which came up the center
of the crow's nest.
Cyfe began to see shapes in the mist. First he saw his house in a little grove
on the continent, then there was floating before him a huge building, with
spires reaching to the heavens. Cyfe's eye lids began to drop lower and lower.
Was that a ship in the mist? No probably just another allusion. Cyfe dropped
peacefully into the lands of slumber.