Chapter 21

Voyage at Sea

Seaside town was famously known for its sunny seacoast and many seaboard shops. Luigi, Geno, and Mallow entered the town during late morning and the place was bustling with Mushrooms.

"It looks just like it was four years ago," said Mallow, "but that is new to me."

The other two followed where his hand was gesturing and they spotted a huge wooden dock containing a shipyard and endless rows of various boats. Some were huge, resembling packet boats Luigi had seen in history books, while others were little with only one sail. The trio stepped onto the newly built platform and walked into a renting store at the end of the dock. The owner behind the desk was deeply tanned from spending many hours sailing and he smiled at the customers who just entered. The tall mustached plumber gazed at the small shop nervously before clearing his throat.

"I would like to rent a boat," he said. "Me and my friends have something very important to do."

The owner nodded and said, "Well, we got many different ships to choose from. Come with me and I'll show you our selection."

Outside, behind the building, ships were lined up neatly at the dock and he briefly told a small description of each one.

"This catboat is small but quick," he said, "perfectly built for sailing."

"Is there anything we can use for traveling?" asked the blue-caped doll. "We're planning a voyage."

"Going far?"

"I hope not," said the white puffball, "we have to retrieve an important item."

"Ah," said the owner, with a twinkle in his eye, "I know just the vessel."

At the end of the wooden platform was a dark blue schooner. In gold letters, the word 'Amphitrite' was painted beautifully across.

"This sailing yacht has two steady masts, three sails and fore-and-aft rigging. It also has a net already stored. Brand new, too."

"Great," said Luigi, "we'll take it."

"Wonderful," said the owner. "How will you pay?"

"Er…" Luigi trailed off, he did not even think about paying.

"My father can take care of it," offered Mallow, "so don't worry…?"

"Merrick," supplied the owner, before changing the money topic. "Now that's settled, do you know the first thing about sailing?"

The three looked at one another and shook their heads.

"That's ok," assured Merrick. "I know some sea dogs that can help you out."

An hour later, food, supplies, and a few selected seamen were on board the Amphitrite. The sky was clear, and the sun shone brightly on the decks of the schooner. On the ship, besides the heroes, were Sachiel, Kai, and Morwenna, the sailors Merrick had chosen for the voyage. Sachiel was a young mushroom with a green spotted cap. She was an assistant to Morwenna, who was the ship's mariner. Kai was experienced with working with the helm and he was the sea captain for the voyage. The fungi crew quickly cast the Amphitrite off, and the journey to find the Star Pieces had officially started. Luigi roamed the stern of the sailboat while Geno and Mallow wandered toward the front. Mallow leaned on the rails and peered down at the deep blue of the ocean. It sparked in the sun and it seemed almost peaceful and relaxing. The schooner sailed between other ships and the fishers aboard waved happily. The town had just recently realized they were living beside a marine gold mine and many people started a career in sea farming. Seaside also experienced a population boom since ship builders and seamen flocked toward the coastal area.

"Geno."

"Yes, Mallow?"

"How will we find the Star Piece? I mean, the ocean is vast, and the Star could be anywhere."

"Kai told me from eye witnesses that a large glowing object fell into the sea approximately ten miles from shore."

"Did anyone try to find it?"

"I'm not sure," Geno said grimly, "but we better get there first."

Mallow did not need to ask why and the two fell silent listening to the flying gulls and the soothing lap of the waters against the ship. The wind the weak, and she was moving slowly along, but the serene scenery made everyone felt at peace and unhurried. Even Sachiel and Morwenna, who were pouring over nautical charts to pinpoint the exact location of the star, were calm and cheerful about their voyage. The ocean, when placid, always had a way to ease the mind. Luigi joined the two adventures at the bow after he explored all of the yacht. It was not huge, but it did take some time to get familiar with the schooner.

"I wonder how the others are," Luigi said aloud, and the others looked at him with optimistic expressions.

"Don't worry," said Mallow, "I'm sure they're all right. Bowser isn't as cruel as people think."

"Really?"

"Believe us," reassured Geno. "He helped us out when we needed to rescue Princess Toadstool."

"And," added the Prince, "he was with us for the rest of the journey, even if he only joined to get his Keep back."

"That must have been some adventure," admired Luigi, and the others nodded. "Do you think this one will be just as exciting?"

"Well, one thing's for certain," said Geno darkly, gazing at the beautiful ocean, "it won't be dull."