Hi AOS fans. I am so very sorry for the delay in getting this chapter up. I will continue writing! I honestly envision so much more adventures for this crew. Comments and reviews are always welcome and appreciated! I am thankful to those who have taken the time to share their thoughts!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to The New Adventures of Sinbad - all this recognition goes to the Creator, Ed Naha.
"I should have known you were already here when you weren't at the inn for breakfast", Doubar spoke loudly as he boarded the ship. Anders followed closely behind him. "It's good to see that you survived the night".
Ignoring that last statement, Sinbad glanced over his shoulder as he examined a piece of the standing rigging. He silently noted to himself that it needed to be replaced. Luckily it was not burnt. It would last a few more journeys. He let go of the line and turned to Doubar and Anders as they approached him. "I wanted to get a head start on any needed repairs. The supplies in port may be slim pickings considering…" He did not need to finish.
Doubar nodded his head in understanding. His brother always thought a step ahead when it came to the ship. "Yes, we should get what would only be necessary".
"How are we looking?" Anders asked the Captain with a blink. He was tired. Sleep still evident in his eyes. He felt reluctant to hear any more bad news; in fear of the added work ahead.
"We are in pretty good shape", Sinbad replied meeting Anders' eyes. He silently realized most of the town probably had very little sleep. He wondered how the rest of his crew were faring. "We got lucky. So far, any damage is minor. We weren't directly hit by the explosions, just some debris on the deck; as you saw last night". He gestured towards the hatch, "Bryn is below checking the cabins for any holes or any other damages".
"Already putting her back to work, huh?" Doubar teased, "How is she?" He grew serious; concern now in his tone.
"She says she's fine", Sinbad answered. A muscle in his jaw twitched as he thought of her selflessness and how much she puts her self at risk. He needed to help her find a way to better understand her powers and control it. A task he knew to be difficult. He was unsure of where to start.
"You don't seem very convinced, Sinbad". Doubar could read his brother well, "What is it?"
Sinbad let out a heavy sigh as he looked between Doubar and Anders, "She couldn't remember what she did. She only remembered pieces of the evening". For a brief moment, he wondered if she even remembered their time on the beach. He hoped so. "She woke up confused".
Doubar gave him a heavy pat on the back as he spoke, "Well it's a good thing you were there to help clear things up".
"I'm just glad she remembered some of it", Sinbad was honest. He knew how much it pains her to forget; to feel that empty loss. A simple question that she could not answer would sadden her and she hides it well.
Anders understood the gravity of that statement. He was putting the pieces together in his own mind. "Does her magic effect her memory?"
"If so, it's not very consistent", Sinbad shook his head. He knew this discussion needed to be saved for Bryn. It wasn't going to be an easy one. He couldn't tell her how to use her magic or when she should. Though, she needed to know the risk. He changed the subject. He turned towards Doubar, "Where are Firouz and Rongar?"
"Rongar is helping Captain Ryder on his ship and Firouz is back on the beach checking on the injured with Quinn", He replied."We went our separate ways after breakfast".
"I am sure Ryder needs all the help he can get". They all knew his ship was not seaworthy after the night it had. Sinbad had already planned on going to The Seahawk himself to lend a hand. That was another reason of why he wanted to get an early start. He pulled out of a piece of paper from his pocket. "I started a list of supplies to get in town. Now, which one of you is coming with me? I prefer to get it done sooner than later".
Doubar snatched the note out of his hand. He knew this errand was the last thing his brother needed to do. "Give that here. We'll go". He gestured between himself and Anders. "You go to The Seahawk and help Ryder. I'll gather the rest of our crew to help with the minor repairs here". He watched Sinbad take in the suggestion. "You've given us a good head start already".
"Thanks", Sinbad did not argue with that plan. He was appreciative for the change. He held up a finger as he stepped towards the hatch, "Wait a minute, I'm going to check on Bryn; she may have something to add to that list".
Doubar and Anders watched him go below deck. Anders wasn't sure if he should voice it out loud but he did. "Is there something off with him? He seems more tense today".
Doubar sensed the same thing. There was a change in Sinbad's demeanor. He merely shook his head unsure of what to say. "I think he has a lot on his mind. We haven't had the easiest voyages as of late and he's probably not sleeping enough".
"I'm sure staying in Riley's room last night didn't help", Anders mused out loud.
Doubar nodded his head, his brow raised, "That definitely wasn't something he had in mind when pulling in to port".
xxxx
Her back was too him when he found her in the hold. He noticed she had a change of clothes on since the last time he saw her up on deck. She opted for something warmer and he assumed more comfortable. She now wore her long sleeved yellow dress, which he couldn't help notice, fit very nicely on her. He was just about to speak when he saw her get into position to move one of the heavy barrels. "Here, let me help you with that!" He rushed to her side; reaching for the barrel.
"We may have a leak", Bryn pointed out.
They moved it and Sinbad could see what the problem was. There was a crack towards the back. "We just replaced the other one. I guess we should have done both at the same time". Damn.
Bryn lifted a lid off. "We will need to refill the newer one too".
"I'll see that it gets on the list", Sinbad confirmed. He pointed upward as he spoke. "Doubar and Anders are here. They are going back into town to get the supplies. Is there anything else down here that needs our attention? What do we need?"
She shook her head, "Everything looks normal. I checked all the cabins and the galley. There are no other damages". She shook head, "I opened up the port holes to air out the place. The smoke made its way in. The odor was awful in some of the cabins".
"Thanks. Fresh air will certainly help", Sinbad nodded. He knew he spoke for the whole crew. He was grateful for her initiative. He stole a glance at the food crates stacked on the other side of the small room. "I'll have Doubar see that Strock replenishes our food for the journey".
"I can take care of inventory", Bryn suggested as she turned to step out of the hold.
Sinbad followed her. He appreciated her volunteering but considered her day already. "We've been up and working for some time ", he watched her stop in the galley, turning to face him as she listened. Sinbad continued, "Why don't you slow down? Maybe eat something?" He realized they both haven't eaten since they woke up.
Bryn gave him a smile as she stepped closer to him. Another thought came to mind. A hopeful one. "We both could use a break," She smiled up at him suggestively as her fingers traced the ties on his blue vest. For the most part of the morning, she could not stop thinking about his confession on the beach. She had very little chance to respond or react to his words. She knew they were too preoccupied to broach the topic at this time, but perhaps a quiet moment together may ease any concerns that he may have. "Don't you agree?"
To him it sounded more like an invitation than a question. He wish he didn't have to decline; it pained him. He would like nothing more. He took a hold of her hand that was on his chest, and kissed it. "Promise me you will ask that of me again at a less crazier time". He practically begged.
Bryn nodded her head and took a step back. She found her patience; not pushing it, "You're going to see Captain Ryder?"
She guessed correctly. "Yes, we need to leave on tomorrow's tide. I just wanted to help him out as much as I can", Sinbad explained. "I know he'd do the same for me".
Bryn understood. They needed to keep to schedule for picking up and delivering cargo. As Captain, he did not have much of a choice. She reached for a piece of fruit that was in a bowl in the middle of their long table. "Here", she tossed it to him, "You need to eat too".
Sinbad caught it just as he heard footsteps above them. Someone was pacing. He knew Doubar and Anders were still waiting for him on deck; in case anything needed to be added to his list. "Thanks". He gave her half a smile, "I'll catch up with you later this afternoon", he gave her arm a squeeze with his free hand as he stepped towards the hatch.
Bryn stopped him as he climbed the steps up. "Sinbad?"
He turned to look at her, "Yeah?"
She bit her lip before speaking, hoping somehow to make him understand that it mattered. What he said meant something to her. It meant everything. "That conversation we had earlier, on the beach", she paused. She could see he knew what she was referring to. He nodded his head. She spoke with certainty "We're not finished".
Sinbad smiled, relieved that memory was not lost to her. "I agree. We're far from finished". He left her with a wink.
She grinned as she watched him leave. She reached for the bowl on the table again and helped herself to an apple.
xxxx
Captain Ryder stood on the deck of his ship when he spotted Sinbad walking towards him. His friends' pace slowed to a stop as he watched his wife approach him. She was on her way back into town, on his orders. Ryder was not able to hear their words clearly, but judging by her stance and their exchange, she was expressing her frustration to Sinbad. She pointed in his direction as she spoke, and he couldn't help but feel slightly amused. His wife certainly wore her heart on her sleeve. They had a long night discussing their next course of action with their ship and she was not too happy with him ordering her to remain off of it at its current condition. Sinbad was probably getting an earful.
Sinbad looked passed her and met Ryders' eyes. He did not miss his friend grin, clearly enjoying this. He brought his attention back to Max and spoke reassuringly, "I am sure Ryder is merely trying to protect you".
"What of the rest of the crew and your crew? I don't see him protecting them," She pointed out loudly. She continued on before Sinbad could get another word out. "Hell! I am his wife. Whatever happened to 'what's your is mine'. I have every right to be on that ship helping amongst the crew". She made an exasperated sound and continued to walk past him without another word.
All Sinbad could do was watch her walk away. He felt her powerful stride on the shared dock. The wood below vibrated through his boots as she stormed off. With a shake of his head, he turned back towards the ship, making his way to The Seahawk.
xxxx
"I am sorry about that", Ryder smiled widely as he watch Sinbad board his ship. "Max can be a bit temperamental at times".
"I understand Max", Sinbad spoke honestly. The woman has not changed a bit. This was not the first time he's seen her express her feelings; not the first time he'd had an earful.
"Don't tell her I told you that", Ryder quickly added. "I beg you! It will only put me in more hot water than I already am".
"Not to worry". Sinbad assured him. He took a quick scan of the broken ship. He peered through the gigantic hole on the deck, immediately seeing Rongar. He gave his friend a small nod in greeting. He met Ryders' eyes again, "I came to help. How are things going?"
Ryder took in a deep breath before speaking. He let out his answer, "Taking in too much water was a concern. I gathered a few of my crew during the early light to bail her out and plug in where we could see water coming in. I should have done it last night but I didn't think. The thought occurred to me in the middle of the night when I woke".
"We were all exhausted". Sinbad pointed out. "She seems to be drying up nicely", he scanned the floorboards of The Seahawk. He watched Ryder nod in agreement. "What can I do?"
"Actually…", Ryder paused in thought. "I value your opinion". Sinbad waited for him to continue. "What can you tell me about Riley?" He spoke more specifically, "As a seaman".
Sinbad was taken back by the question. He cleared his throat. "My understanding is that he's been on land for some time. Though he is an experienced sailor. He can weather a storm," He grew more curious. "Are you looking to take on more crew?"
Ryder sighed. "It's starting to look that way. Not to the small capacity I had in mind earlier". He spoke facts. "I have a broken ship and scheduled cargo to pick up and deliver. I can't delay".
"What will you do?"
"There's a ship anchored in the cove. I came here to look it over. Now, judging by the condition of the Seahawk, the decision is forced. I will be purchasing it", Ryder explained. He continued on, "I will be needing someone to Captain her and I highly doubt your available".
Sinbad smiled, shook his head in agreement. "Anyone among your crew?"
Ryder shook his head, "No one with the experience that I am looking for".
"Do you plan on staying here?"
"It will take a lot of time to repair her", Ryder looked onto the floorboards of his ship. He sighed. "I need to make sure it's done right and I can't be in two places at once". He appeared torn.
Sinbad crossed his arms in front of him in thought, "Who will handle the trades?"
"Max can handle that", Ryder's tone grew serious, "Which is why I need an experienced sailor. Someone that I can trust to take care of her". He was starting to feel desperate. "Now Sinbad, we've known each other for some years. I trust you and your instinct. Would Riley be the man for the job?"
xxxx
"Put that box down and come with me".
Bryn looked up at Dermott questionably as she slowly settled the empty crate onto the deck. She intended to go to the market to gather some more fruit for their journey. There was not much else to do until supplies for the ship arrived and she was not sure how long Doubar and Anders would take. She was surprised by the falcon's demand. She straighten up, "Is everything okay?"
Dermott landed on the nearby rail. "I saw something that is worth looking into last night. These men were acting peculiar so I followed them".
"Alright", Bryn didn't question him further. She trusted his instincts and he's never lead her or the crew astray.
"They are hiding something. We must go now. It's empty". Dermott took off, flying towards town.
Bryn sensed his urgency and immediately moved to follow; digesting his words. "Do you have to be so cryptic?" She voiced out loud as she jumped over the rail and onto the dock. He gave no detail on what was empty. She kept her eyes on the falcon as he flew further. She quickened her pace to keep up. Wondering where he could be leading her in such a rush.
xxxx
He lead her towards the beach. Firouz immediately recognized her as she approached the tents. He greeted her as she got closer, catching her gaze.
"It's good to see you up and about!" Firouz spoke cheerly. "How are you feeling?"
"Rested", she smiled as she came to a stop. She only intended to stop for a moment. She looked past Firouz, searching upward for her falcon.
"What is it?" Firouz could read her well. Her mind was elsewhere.
"It's Dermott. He says there is something that is worth checking out", she explained with a nod in the birds' direction. From a distance, she spotted him circling the skies. She shrugged her shoulders, "It probably has to do with all of this", she couldn't think of anything else that would merit the need for urgency. She scanned the beach, looking at the sailors under the open tents. She hoped no one was too badly injured.
"Should you be going alone?"
Bryn understood his concern. He was right. Safety is always better in numbers. "Can you be spared?" She questioned.
"I doubt it. Quinn ran back into town and there are still a few people here I promised I would look into this morning", Firouz looked sorry.
Bryn nodded her head in understanding. "You've been busy".
"I will send out a search party if you're not back within a couple hours". Firouz joked lightly.
"I really should get going before Der…" Bryn paused, turning to see who Firouz was looking at. His eyes focused past Bryn when he saw a figure behind her move. A man ducked out of one of the tents' entrance. A man he certainly recognized. He held a finger out to Bryn, "Wait one moment".
It was Riley and Firouz called out his name. Beckoning him over.
xxxx
He walked along side her silently. Bryn stole a glance at him as they continued down the beach. His eyes looked up towards Dermott. She wondered if he had doubts of her friend. Not everyone would believe or understand how she and the falcon can communicate. She would never expect them to.
"You did not have to come", Bryn broke the silence.
Riley finally looked at her. The memory of last night's events were close to mind. "Just following your physician's orders", he half joked.
Bryn eyed him cautiously. Something was not right with him. His mood strained. Last night must not have been easy dealing with her and Sinbad. "I owe you my thanks and…an apology".
"Apology" He repeated. "It is I who needs to apologize", Riley countered, matching her stride. He looked at her sincerely, "I may have taken liberties last night with you and I believe I've overstepped".
Bryn shook her head. "Don't worry. I understood the need. I would have been less comfortable in a wet dress. Think nothing of it". She added quickly, looking at him reassuringly. She placed a hand on his shoulder for a brief moment as she spoke, "Thank you for the help".
He was surprised by her touch. Riley knew what she was referring to but that was not all that he implied. He refrained from further explanations and thought it was best to leave it alone for now. "You mentioned apologizing. What for?" He asked.
"I left without a word or a note this morning", Bryn went on. "I did not want to disturb your sleep. I don't know how much I had already cost you". She honestly had every intention of seeking him out before they left port the following day. She was glad for the opportunity to speak of it now. She second guessed her earlier actions. "Should I have woken you?" She waited for his answer.
"No, I assumed you and Sinbad both left during the darkness of morning. It would have been far too early for me", he concluded. "I figured I'd see you and Sinbad before days end anyways".
She accepted his answer as she watched Dermott circling and heard him call out, indicating that they were near.
"This is it. We're here," Bryn stated. Dermott flew low and sat atop a boulder. His eyes studying the surroundings. Below that boulder was cave. Boot prints were clearly pressed into the sand at its entrance. The path appeared to be well used.
"He intends for us to go in there?" Riley spoke cautiously. "You're very trusting of this bird", he observed.
"I'm sure the feeling is mutual", she started to enter; looking over her shoulder, "Are you coming?"