Javindar waved away the salted fish that Gola offered him, but the cook was insistent. While he wasn't hungry, the Bey eventually flipped the fat cook a silver in exchange for the snack.

The fish was covered in brine and spices but at least it stored well so he could eat it later with that vegetarian gruel they had scrounged for him. Though he had developed a penchant for these fillets, the Bey had other things on his mind. Confusing things that required the counsel of his servant and confidant.

Javindar had searched up and down the Mermaid's Tail, but could find no sign of Nahbob. Not in that sty they called a galley, not in the Captain's, though temporarily his own, quarters, and not even on the currently windy main deck.

"Where is that lazy Nahbob," he grumbled to no one in particular.

The fat cook Gola flashed a big smile at him and pointed up.

Puzzled, Javindar followed his finger and saw his errant servant was indeed high up at the mast of the vessel in a large wooden bucket of some sort.

"Nahbob! Get down here this instant!" Javindar shouted. He wasn't sure if his servant heard him clearly over the winds, but he did respond with a wave. After several more attempts at yelling, Javindar decided to take things into his own hands and climbed up the mast himself. Though he wasn't as proficient as the sailors, he was strong and accustomed to scaling ropes during sieges and eventually made it up.

"Greetings Sire, is it not a wonderful day?" asked Nahbob cheerfully as Javindar ascended closer. The Bey noticed his servant held a spy glass in his hand and sat on what looked looked like a pillow in the basket.

"What are you doing up here of all places?"

Nahbob bowed and waved at the vast horizon surrounding them. It looked unremarkable to Javindar save for a few specks far in the distance in the direction they are heading.

"What am I supposed to be looking at?"

"It's the island of Aaslin sir. As you know, our voyage has been delayed due to the sea serpent attack which you heroically driven off. Though the ship survived, it has sustained moderate hull damage, and that is the place most likely for us to make repairs."

Javindar nodded. He recalled from what he could remember of his briefings, that the Gold Eagle would also restock around the Aaslin islands before they push forward through the Sea of Dawn to Grom. While roughly fifty years ago, there were many Alphatian settlements to dock at, but since the continent of Alphatia sank there was little choice in honest ports in this region.

"Well, though this ship is faster than the Gold Eagle, in its damaged state its current speed is actually slower than that of your prized War Kaylon. By my calculations we should be rendezvousing with it soon. Given the vastness of the ocean, I hoped to catch a glimpse of its golden sails before it sails past us."

Javindar took in this information and beamed a big smile.

"That's wonderful. We could return back to our vessel since this ship no longer has the advantage of speed. Given our recent attack against us, you could also argue a War Kaylon is much safer than this 'trading' vessel. It might be easily recognizable but harpies or over grown eels could attack us. We could travel like civilized men once again."

"Aye sir. I take personal responsibility for your current dietary hardships and accommodations. Even if Whelp insists on staying on this vessel, we could at least transfer over your luggage and proper provisions to make your trip more bearable."

Javindar paused at the mention of their travelling companion. "Err… about Whelp, that's what I want to talk to you about."

Nahbob nodded. "Yes, I'm pleased to see that the pair of you have gotten past that rocky start in your association. Though, the fact you rescued her from that sea serpent probably had a great deal to do with that. As a soldier, you of all people should know had life and death situations builds camaraderie even amongst the most divisive of soldiers."

"Don't forget she rescued me as well. I'm pretty sure she silenced that Harpy with a spell, and she did return for me and freed me from the serpent's coils."

Nahbob smiled. "She should be honored. As for myself, it was her duty and privilege to assist you. I'm just glad you two are at peace with one another. If I was a betting man, I would have wagered that you would have thrown her off the boat before we reached Aaslin. "

"Yeah, Whelp is a bit hard to get along with sometimes."

"Indeed, but she is also a remarkable woman. Besides her skill at arms serving as Holy Sampada's bodyguard, she is also well versed in religious doctrine. Worldly as well, which is a rare trait in a woman. Initially I thought she was a bit uncouth, since she appeared to be from proper Vinraj stock but did not show you proper reverence, however from my discussions with her it seems she spent most of her early life in the 'barbarian' kingdoms, which would explain her lack of understanding of one's station. "

"I've spent some time talking to her as well. She has interesting views about caste, science, and religion. She really is a free thinker."

"Aye. So what manner of business do you wish to discuss about our dear Whelp? A reward perhaps, for rendering you assistance during the attack. She would probably prefer a masterwork spear. Or perhaps a commendation to Holy Sampada about her heroics? I can compose a flattering poem for her holiness to highlight Whelp's actions. Or maybe…"

"I want to marry her…" interrupted Bey Javindar.

Nahbob's eyes bulged and began hacking in surprise. "What? Marriage? Have you gone insane?"

Javindar's eyes narrowed at his servant's slight but let it past. "After being rescued by her, I …I find myself seeing her in a different light. While I wouldn't exactly call her a classic beauty, she is attractive in some ways. Also, you said it yourself. She's a remarkable woman. A well learned, and well spoken when she wants to be…."

Nahbob shook his head. "Please tell me you haven't proposed to her. Please tell me you haven't done anything stupid yet."

Javindar curled his lip at the second insult. If he didn't need Nahbob's advice he would have slapped the man to put him back in his place. "I actually did propose, but she simply laughed off the suggestion as if I was jesting. Said something about worrying about the Black Scrolls first or something like that," admitted the Prince in a sullen voice.

Nahbob breathed deeply and slumped into the back of the bucket with a sigh of relief. "Whew. Thankfully she didn't take it seriously. That would be socially awkward if she informed her mistress about your hasty declaration. At least one of you has a proper head on their shoulders. I ..I can't believe you would do something so rash for a woman you've just met. "

Javindar shook his head. "I've known her more than I know holy Sampada. I've only spent a week with Whelp, but that's more time than I've ever spent with my betrothed. Sampada doesn't even look at my directly, and hardly responds to the gifts that I give her. You know what I'm talking about. It seems everytime I'm in her presence she shuns me, despite my efforts…I don't know. At least I know where I stand with Whelp. She has a stinging wit sometimes, often directed at me, but like you said. There's a trust between us that I feel we both earned when we battled that serpent. It's a connection at least. I don't feel anything for Sampada when I think about it."

Nahbob frowned. "Do not repeat those words Sire. Do not disparage her holiness. It was a great honor when the House of Nashput chose to strengthen their ties with Ghatta. Though your marriage will not by fulfilled until Holy Sampada finishes her duty in the Western Holy Temple, approximately three more years by my count, it has helped both your families considerably. Nashput has gained in our military strength and rebuilt its fortunes due to trade, while Ghatta has climbed in social rank and prestige amongst the other noble houses of Vinraj. Do not ruin this alliance that…"

Javindar held out a hand to stop his servant while his other hand still grasped the rope he held onto. "I know this. I'm not an idiot. I'm not calling off my marriage with Sampada. I'm just pointing out the fact that I find myself more attracted to Whelp. Maybe you can help me arrange it so she can be my second wife or something…"

"More words of foolishness! "

"Look here Nahbob, I'm asking for your advice, not to be insulted," said Javindar reminding his servant of his place.

Nahbob took a deep breath and bowed, his voice taking a more reserved tone. "A hundred pardons your excellency. I just wish to point out that making plans to have a second wife or even a mistress for that matter before marrying your first wife is a grave insult to the latter. Such a move would sour any political gains you would have earned from your marriage to Sampada of Nashput. Ideally a second wife should only be taken after two or three years of marriage and one or two heirs are born from your first wife. To take one earlier would be an affront to all of Nashput and its citizenry."

Javindar frowned. "Oh I see."

"Also, let's not forget the disparity of castes facing you two. Judging from her position, at best she would be a member of the third caste like myself. Most likely she's from the fourth or lower, given her unknown upbringing. At worse she is a foreigner, despite her appearance. Considering her tale of being brought up in foreign lands I doubt she knows herself, but if you wish I can divine her caste with a simple spell after I make the proper preparations. Regardless of her exact rank, Ghatta would suffer greatly if its first Prince deems to lower himself by marrying from a lower caste. "

"You know, I've given that some thought already. If we succeed in this quest to gain the Black Scrolls and defeat the Asura, she can be declared a hero and aren't heroes the exception to the social hierarchy and raised one or two ranks?" offered Javindar.

"Very shrewd sir. A worthy plan but let's not forget that Whelp is a servant of Holy Sampada. Let's say your scheme works, it would be difficult at best if you then attempt to marry your wife's servant. Many eyes would roll in the courts of Vinraj. Also, I'm positive Sampada would not stand for it. "

"Yes. I considered that as well. I'm not sure how to get around that. I was hoping…well you're married. I was hoping you would have some advice for me."

Nahbob sighed. "Sir. I was married at fourteen to my master's daughter, Indira. He did not want to reveal any more of his arcane secrets to me unless, he kept it in the family so to speak. Indira was an aloof beauty, but we learned to …get along… as best we could. After six years and three children when I was a man of twenty I married into the house of Khola by way of their youngest daughter Kamala. It was an equitable arrangement since they needed my magic, while I needed their social and economic backing. Kamala was a spoiled child but she grew out of it and I've grown to care for her and my two children from her greatly. "

"I know this,"said Javindar. "I've met both your wives and your five children. Despite your claims about how dysfunctional they are, you all seem like a very loving bunch."

Nahob nodded. "For the most part we are, but my relationship with my wives is amicable at best. I would not describe it as loving. Which is one of the reasons I willfully accompany you on your long campaigns. To get away from their nagging."

Javindar chuckled at that remark.

"Before you take my admission as encouragement for your own plans, I want to add that I would not have done it differently. Despite my cold relationship with my two wives, much good have come from my marriages. I would not have achieved my current skill at magic without Indira, and my house and family have greatly benefited from Kamala's wealth and resources. Most importantly are my children. I love them all greatly, and seeing them smile, play, and dance, is proof that my marital decisions were the correct ones. "

"..but..but have you never aspired for something greater. Have you ever thought about marrying for love not power and prestige? " asked Javindar.

Nahbob thought about the question and shrugged. "When I was a student, I would go to the market often to fulfill my master's shopping lists. Being from out of town, I was often lost and felt the despair of being a stranger in those maze like medinas and bazaars. However, during my errands, I met a young merchant's daughter that helped me greatly. Jhira. She was not only cute, but was both smart and funny as well. I soon found myself eager to take up my master's tasks simply as a chance to see and talk to Jhira. In our youthful foolishness, we even made plans to elope, but as you know that all changed when my master demanded my marriage with Indira and my father complied."

"I was heartbroken and confused when that happened, but it was the right thing to do. I deliberately avoided Jhira for the next few years unable to face her, but even that embarrassment faded. In fact, I saw her a couple months back by chance. She still had the same pretty charm and vibrant personality. We talked a bit, and I found she too had married. I believe to a spice merchant and has done quite well for herself. So in the end, it seemed Puranas set us out on our correct paths."

Javindar recoiled. "Is that supposed to make me feel better? That's a horrible story! That's not a love story, that's a story of 'settling' for what's given to you."

Nahbob smiled. "But one that has been told a thousand times. You are something greater than a commoner my lord, you are a prince of Ghatta, a proud member of the first caste. You need to honor your duty to the country. This infatuation with Whelp is simply your inexperience with women coming to light…"

"I'm..I'm not inexperienced with women!" stammered Javindar defensively. "I..I've watched plenty of dancing girls. I've read the Karma Zaxtra. "

Nahbob chuckled again. "Yes. Yes. But have you truly been with a woman? "

Javindar's red face and silence spoke volumes.

"It's nothing to be ashamed of my lord. Your sheltered upbringing and the constant military campaigns that you've been on have been detrimental to certain parts of your education. When we reach Aaslin I can arrange for a 'proper' lesson for you. Not a common sailor's harlot but one of the fine ladies that serves Captains and noblemen that pass through that port. Trust me, it will be with someone attractive, discreet, clean, and most importantly forgettable. Someone you won't throw away your future for. "

"What? How can you suggest something like that?" replied Javindar in shock.

"Is that too long of a wait? I can arrange a night with Gola if you wish? She's not pretty, but she is quite strong and athletic. Like Whelp, but shorter and pudgier. That is the type of woman you are attracted to correct?"

"Wait..Gola's a woman?" asked Javindar in even greater shock.

Before Nahob could answer, the ship banked left, almost sending both Javindar and his servant tumbling off of the mast.

"What's going on?" asked Javindar as hung tightly onto the rope, scanning the sudden increase in activity below.

"I'm ..I'm not sure my lord," replied Nahbob as he balanced himself in his barrel. "But it looks like we are turning away from Aaslin."

"What! We'll miss the Gold Eagle!" said Javindar. The prince then slid down the rope and onto the deck, and saw Captain Wissam in the center of the activity as he was busy directing sailors.

"Shorten the jib! Raise the main sail! Hard port! "shouted Wissam in a voice that seemed to shake the ship.

"What's the meaning of this? Why are we headed away from Aaslin?" interrupted Javindar.

While Captain Wissam had been a fairly reasonable and calm individual since Javindar set foot on his boat and offered him a pile of gold. He never screamed, kept his temper, and seemed a jolly fellow. That calm temperament was quickly replaced as he screamed at the Prince. "Get off of my deck you pompous fool , else you'd be wishing that serpent dragged you into the depths."

Unaccustomed to his wrath, Javindar did as he was told and watched the crew of Mermaid's tail change course and take a more south western course. After the initial fluster of activity was over the Captain's demeanor seemed returned to normal.

"Excuse me for my outburst earlier, but there seemed to be a bit of trouble ahead, and I needed to expediently maneuver us away from such dangers," said the Captain as he pointed to a blank space of ocean in the direction of Aaslin.

Javindar stared and shook his head at the emptiness, before Wissam handed him a spy glass similar to the one Nahbob used but much larger.

"What am I looking at?" asked the Prince before he spotted what looked like two war kaylons sitting dead in the water. "Ah, kaylons! But why turn away from them? They are meant to guard us not harass us. I know this ship might have some contraband, but I'm the Bey of Ghatta. I'll see you through any documentation checks."

"What colours are they flying my prince?"

Javindar wasn't sure and he stared again through the spyglass. "Odd. I don't see any colours or flags. What does that mean?"

Wissam stared towards the two ships and shook his head. "It means we aren't heading towards Aaslin."