Chapter 3 ready for all you to enjoy :D
The sun shines bright in the clear Arendelle skies. The docks are bustling with activity. Multiple merchant ships prepare to set sail. Meanwhile local fisherman shout various things trying to catch people's attention.
The Sirena slowly approaches the docks. The ship now flies white sails that are slowly and carefully being folded in. Along with the white sails it now flies the Puerto Real Flag that is symbolized by a golden roaring lion over a red background.
The crew scurries about the deck as they finish tying rigs. One of the men quickly drops the plank and connects the ship to the dock. Fernando steps out of the Captain's quarters holding a small folded up paper. "Stay on the ship unless I say otherwise." His men nod.
Fernando walks down the plank towards the docks and is right away approached by Lyal, Arendelle's harbormaster. A man well respected around the docks. Small in stature, but also very commanding.
"Good morning," Lyal very respectfully says as he reaches Fernando
"Good morning."
"Could I possibly see your paperwork?" Fernando nods, and hands Lyal the paper he had been holding. Lyal unfolds the paper, and silently reads it, and then glances up at Fernando. "You're from Puerto Real?"
"Yes sir, we were on our way to Fritoria."
"Were?"
"Yes, unfortunately my ship was attacked by pirates on our way there. I'm sure you can tell that the ship looks damaged. Lyal glances over at the ship.
"I've noticed."
"We were able to escape, but I didn't want to risk my crew so I decided it would be best to stop at the closest port, and here we are."
"I see."
"By the way I'm Captain Fernando de las Casas," Fernando extends his arm out, "I apologize, I didn't introduce myself sooner."
Lyal extends his arm out as well, and shakes Fernando's hand, "My name is Lyal, and I'm the harbormaster here in Arendelle."
"Excellent. Do you think it would be possible for me to buy some supplies from your shop to repair my ship?"
Lyal nods, "Of course follow me."
"There is one last thing I would like to ask." Lyal looks at Fernando still trying to read him, but unable to do so, "Is it possible for my crew to go out into the city so they can stretch their legs out a bit. We've been out at sea for awhile."
"It's no problem at all." Fernando turns back towards his ship.
"Antonio!"
Antonio walks down the gangplank, and approaches Fernando and Lyal, "Captain?"
"Let the crew know they can leave the ship and enjoy themselves."Antonio nods, and begins to walk away, but Fernando grabs him by the arm, and pulls him closer, and whispers in his ear, "But no trouble, understood."
"Aye, Captain." Antonio walks back onto the ship, and Fernando turns back to Lyal with a smirk on his face, "Now where were we?"
"On our way to my shop."
"Lead the way."
Fernando and Lyal walk towards the harbormasters shop. Fernando subtly observes his surroundings and notices that there aren't many guards at the docks. He also glances over at what look to be a pair of warships at the far end of the docks. He completely blocks everything out as he makes mental notes of everything he is seeing, "Not much security. Interesting, maybe Antonio was right. We can probably stay here for a few weeks if we're careful." He thinks to himself.
"This is your first time in Arendelle?" Lyal says and snaps Fernando out of his own thoughts.
"Pardon?"
"Is this your first time in Arendelle?"
"I'm afraid so. Never had the pleasure of having to deliver anything to this beautiful kingdom. As a matter-of-fact I would love to learn more about it. Not sure when I'd be able to come back."
"Arendelle was once a very powerful and prosperous nation. Under the rule of King Agdar and Queen Idunna-"
"I've heard stories that a new monarch has taken the throne. Was there some kind of revolution?"
"No, nothing of the sort. It's true that we have a new monarch. Queen Elsa, the eldest daughter of King Agdar and Queen Idunna.
"She rules? What about her parents?"
"Unfortunately her parents died at sea when their ship was caught in a storm, and she was forced to take the throne once she was of age."
Lyal gloomily looks down at the ground. Fernando glances over, "It's been difficult for her because of her..."
"Because of what?"
"Just she has been going through a lot for someone her age." Lyal looks back up, and sees his shop a average sized building at the far end of the docks with various pieces of cut wood on the sides. "But on a happier note. Here we are. Do you know what you'll need." Fernando nods.
Lyal walks behind the counter as Fernando takes out a small list from his pocket, and hand its to Lyal, " "Lets see what I can do" Lyal opens the paper and quickly skims it, "I can get you the sailcloth, some tar, and the smaller lumber for your rails, but the larger pieces I don't have right now."
"Any idea how long it would take you to get some?"
"I can't really give a set day, but at least a few weeks. Unless you can get some trunks for me. Then I would gladly cut them for you."
"If I get some of my men to bring them for you. You could have done before the end of the week?"
Lyal nods, "Without a doubt, and for doing that I'd give a good price as well."
"Price isn't an issue. Just time."
"Understood, but If I may suggest something. You might want to take someone who knows the mountains, and forest very well."
"You know anyone who could help with that."
"I suggest you seek out the ice master and deliverer. He has a shop in the market. From what I've been told he's pretty knowledgeable when it comes to those things.
"Thank you for all your help Lyal, but there's one last thing."
"Ask away."
"Is there a blacksmith in town? I need to buy some weapons."
"We do have a blacksmith, but without the Queen's permission you won't be getting anything out of him."
"Why not?"
"It's said there was an attempt on her life. So she's put restrictions on certain things."
"Any chance I could gain an audience with her?"
"I'm not sure. Many people visit her everyday. You might be able to get an audience with her, but I can't guarantee you that you'll see her today or anytime soon for that matter," Fernando takes out a bag of gold coins, and places it on the counter.
"Thanks for everything anyway. I'll send a couple of men to pick up the supplies later." Fernando leaves the shop. Lyal opens small cloth bag, and takes out one of the coins. He carefully, and suspiciously looks at it.
Fernando makes his way back towards the Sirena as he runs his hands through his hair in frustration, "It can never be simple," Fernando lets out a long sigh, "Alright lets if I can get an audience with this brat." He looks towards the castle
"Captain!" Fernando turns back towards the docks as Antonio and a couple other men approach him.
"Good thing I caught you before you all scattered. Antonio I need you and a few men to go to the market, and find the ice master.
"Ice Master?" Antonio answers confused, "What do we want with an ice master?"
"I need you to convince him to take you to the forest to get some lumber. Do whatever you need to convince him."
"It'll be done Captain, but what about you?"
"I need to have a little chat with the Queen.
Antonio smirks, "Going to sweet talk the royals so soon."
"If necessary."
"What about the rest of us?" One of the men behind Antonio asks.
"Head down to the harbormaster's shop, and pick up some supplies for the ship. Once that's done. Enjoy yourselves.
"Aye Captain."
They all go their separate ways. Fernando heads towards the castle, "I think it's time we have our one on one Queen Elsa."
Next chapter how will Fernando approach a possible audience with Elsa?
