Chapter Two: Sailing Away
The ship's boat was waiting for Captain and Lieutenant Picard. They boarded, and the men began to pull for the Stargazer. The sea was choppy, and the golden sunset was obscured by heavy grey clouds. Marrissa took the tiller, and steered the boat towards the three masted ship. The Stargazer showed some wear, but was freshly painted, having just been beamed down from a specially designed cargo carrier that the Enterprise had towed.
The smell of the sea air was a tonic to the Captain. It renewed his sense of adventure, propelled him beyond duty, and made him wish for simpler times. Ah, to sail on the power of the air on your sails, to follow the sea's current on the sound of the breaking waves.
To Marrissa, this was a new challenge. Challenges were not something that Marrissa backed down from. She was, in a way, like a character in one of her anime, Ranma Saotome. A challenge was a call to battle, and she wouldn't quit until she won.
They pulled along side. "Oars up!" Marrissa ordered. The ship's boat team had spent several hours on the holodeck learning how to do this. "Mr. James, take the tiller." First Marrissa, then the Captain, climbed on board. As the Captain climbed up, the bosun's whistle rang in a three tone greeting.
"Welcome back aboard, Captain," Commander Riker said.
"Ship's status, number one?" Picard asked.
"We're fully stocked and ready to depart," Riker said. "The Duchess and her party are aboard and in the passenger quarters. The evening tide begins in a quarter hour."
"Very well, Number One," Picard said. "We will sail into the setting sun. Raise anchor and prepare for departure."
Marrissa stood on the quarter deck, to the right of the helm. It was the last dog watch, and she was in command. The sun was just coming up, and the Stargazer had picked up a fresh westerly breeze.
She looked down at the main deck. A young girl had just come up out of the hold. It appeared to be the Lady Hayley, who was the Duchess's daughter. Marrissa had met the girl briefly at dinner the previous night. The young blonde girl was Marrissa's age and seemed to be quite curious. Lady Hayley had spent most of dinner questioning La Forge about the ship.
The girl climbed up the starboard ladder to the quarterdeck. "I hope you don't mind me coming up here," the girl said. "I just want to see the sun rise.
"I don't mind," Marrissa said. "Other officers of the watch may, though."
"Officers of the watch?" Lady Hayley asked.
"The person left in command of the ship for a certain length of time," Marrissa said. "It's usually the top five officers, excluding the Captain."
"Why not the Captain?" Hayley asked.
"He's in command all the time," Marrissa said. "An officer of the watch only commands the ship when he's not here. Some people call the position the duty officer."
"Who are those officers?" Hayley asked.
"Well, our first mate, Commander Riker commands the first watch," Marrissa said. "He's that bearded guy who made that colorful toast last night at dinner."
"Your captain looked like he was going throw something at the Commander," Hayley said.
"Quite possibly," Marrissa said. "Our second mate, Lieutenant La Forge commands the second watch. He answered your questions last night at dinner. He came up though the ship's carpentry and still does some work on the side. I'm third mate, and I command the last of the dog watches."
"Dog watches?" Hayley asked.
"The three watches between dusk and dawn," Marrissa said. "They're also called ticks. The first two both last four hours, but the last one can last longer, depending on the time of year, giving it the name 'the long tick.'"
"You know a lot," Hayley said, leaning against the rail.
"Dad insists that I study a lot," Marrissa said. "Especially when we have to go off ship. Be careful with that rail, it's a little lose"
"Why then?" Hayley asked, moving back from the rail.
"It helps prevent you from making mistakes," Marrissa said. "Not all places have the same rules as Ellosia. If you don't know the rules, it's a lot harder to avoid breaking them."
"Oh," Hayley said. "You have nice sunrises at sea."
"Sometimes," Marrissa said. "You can see a lot at sea, with nothing to block your view. Even more when you're at the top of the masts."
"You climb all the way up there?" Hayley said, craning her head to look up to the top.
"Sometimes," Marrissa said. "The Captain doesn't like it when I do though. Calls it a foolish stunt."
"It is, but the view is amazing," Commander Riker said. Marrissa turned to find him standing behind her.
"Good Morning, Commander," Marrissa said. "I believe you know Lady Hayley, she got up to see the sunrise this morning."
"Good Morning, Lady Hayley," Riker said, dipping in a slight bow. "Lieutenant Picard, anything to report."
"Wind is out of the south_east, and our speed is at 12 knots," Marrissa said. "I adjusted course five points to port a half an hour ago. Based on current speed, we should arrive at Sapphire Bay late this afternoon, if the wind holds."
"Very well, Lieutenant, you are relieved," Riker said, turning to stand by the wheel.
"Yes sir," Marrissa said. "If you'd follow me, Lady Hayley, perhaps we can get an early breakfast from the cook."
Beverly Picard adjusted her robe as she entered the Inn. It had been a long ride from Arlipor to the town of Castrome Cross. Though the robes of the Healing Sisterhood of the Order of Saint Cecilia were made thin for the tropical weather of Ellosia, they were somewhat unmanageable compared to the uniform of a Star Fleet Doctor. At her side was Clara, who was dressed in the common attire of the daughter of a wealthy landowner.
"Welcome to the Inn of the Flying Dragon, revered sister," the Innkeeper said. "How may I be of assistance?"
"My charge and I require a simple room for a night's stay and would inquire about possible companions for our journey to Odyssey," Beverly said.
"We have a room available for just a silver," the Innkeeper said.
"That will be fine," Beverly said.
"I believe the minstrel in the corner is on his way to Odyssey, perhaps he will be able to accompany you."
Over in the corner was a minstrel, dressed in worn traveling clothes that were rather well tailored for such a roving harpist. He was signing a popular air, as those in the common room gathered around him.
"Once there was a king from heavens above
A royal beyond measure was he.
The Lord above sent him to rule our fair country
"Once there was a Duchess, Desired was she
Her beauty was the call of the whole country
It's a shame that little brother captured Desiree.
As the minstrel shifted into a instrumental piece, Beverly approached. "Pardon me, sir minstrel, but the Innkeeper tells me that you're heading towards Odyssey on the morn."
"Why, yes, I'm heading to see my younger brother and his wife," the minstrel said.
"I'm Sister Beverly, and this is my charge Clarrissa. We're also going that way, and wondered if we might accompany you."
"Certainly, honored sister. My name is Cedric. If you'll be kind enough to meet me after breakfast is served?" Beverly nodded. "Then it's settled." Then he took up another song. "Here's a little song I used to play in my youth."
"The minstrel boy off to war has gone
In the ranks of death you will find him
His father's sword he hath girdith on,
His wild harp slung behind him
"Land of song sang the warrior bard
Though all the world betrays thee
One sword at least your rights shall guard
On faithful harp shall praise thee.
The road was dusty, and the gait of the rinnebeast was really hurting Clara's rear. For perhaps the hundredth time that day, Clara wished that she could have traded assignments with Marrissa. At least the journey from Arlipor to Castrome, and then to Castrome Cross had been by coach. Unfortunately the coach didn't go past Castrome Cross so here Clara was riding on a rinnebeast on a dusty, rutted road through the middle of nowhere. Marrissa was the one with riding experience, she'd won the darned Belmont Stakes after all. True rinnebeasts weren't horses, they were lizards who ran on their rear legs. How much further was this Capital City and why the heck didn't it have a nice paved road with coaches running back and forth going to it?
"Pardon me, young lady, but you look as if you aren't having a good time," Cedric, the minstrel said.
"I'm riding a beast I've barely ever rode before, in a dusty road, under the hot sun, and you think I should be having a good time?" Clara muttered.
"I know what you need," Cedric said. "We need a traveling song."
A traveling song. That brought horror stories to Clara's mind. Shayna's rendition of "the Laughing Vulcan and his Dog," for instance had particular vivid memories of a near lynching. Then there had been that field trip. It had taken a week for her to get those darn Disney songs out of her mind.
There once was a boy from Verlie
His mother a chambermaid
His father was a stable hand
Loyal Servants they were
The same was expected of him
But the young boy, dreams he had
Oh the sea, the beautiful sea,
So far away, adventure it seems
Let the wind blow me away
and someday a hero I'll be.
So with a hug for his mother
and a word of wisdom from his father
and a kiss from the young girl on the corner
On the road he departed
They expected nothing of him
But the young boy, dreams he had
[Refrain]
On the road, he met many hardships
His belly was empty.
And his feet were tired
Fully of hope, he continued
Much he expected of life
For the young boy, dreams he had
[Refrain]
A lucky encounter with a Lord
and on his way he was sent
A Cabin boy was his job
Aboard the Geraldine.
Obedience was expected of him
But the young boy, dreams he had
[Refrain]
Adventure found the boy
Thrust into battle, brave he served
Though many fell beside him
The boy grew into a man
Expectations the young boy surpassed.
But the young boy, dreams he had
Oh the sea, the beautiful sea,
So far away this adventure seems
Let the wind blow me away
for home there I long to be.
So home he sailed.
A young boy no longer
His bags he packed
And roads he road over the hills
A glimpse of home, he expected.
For the young man, dreams he had.
By the time they stopped for lunch, Clara had forgotten her gripes.
The late afternoon sun shimmered across the deep blue waters of Sapphire Bay, highlighting the tops of the waves. The Stargazer had just arrived and was dropping anchor off shore. As it was Second Watch, Marrissa was standing in the bow of the ship. As the anchor dropped, she pulled out her telescope. Extending it, she scanned the shore. She avoided the town and the saucer, as she wanted a feel for the normal culture, not what ever changes this renegade Captain had made. Riding along the coast on towards town she spied a young man on a strange beast.
It looked like a lizard of some sort, running on it's hind legs. It's fore legs seemed almost useless. It was a golden yellow in color and had a head like some illustration of a dragon Marrissa had once seen. After a moment's thought, she remembered the animal in her briefing, a rinnebeast. As the beast ran, the rider's dark blue cloak with gold edging billowed out behind him. The sun glinted off the hilt of his sword, as it was revealed in the rippling wind. The rider's cowl fell back, revealing his medium length blond hair.
Prince Avery pulled up his rinnebeast by the West shore gate to Odyssey Castle. He was probably going to get a lecture from his father about his ride. The Duchess of Castrome was due in any day, especially since the Duchess preferred sea travel, and he was expected to be there. He was hoping that this meant he could get his choice of bride. Never mind that he hadn't seen Hayley since she was five. She was definitely his choice. Avery just plain hated all the other proposed candidates. And all this haggling and looking over by various ambassadors was making him feel like he was a rinnebeast at action. He got off his mount.
His father had a quainter and older expression for it. A piece of horse flesh. Horses were rare on this planet, none were currently in Ellosia. The Patriarch claimed to have ridden one when he attended a Church Council in Ferigal. Avery thought that the Patriarch was becoming senile. This was not an uncommon thought among the young nobles of Ellosia, and to tell the truth, among the elders as well. Avery's father said that such beasts were once preferred over rinnebeasts. Avery stroked the supple skin over the left eye of his rinnebeast, if his father said it, it probably was true. Though Avery couldn't see why. His personal mount may have not been one of the prize blue green calvary beasts of Fasstime or like the dark gold special royal breeds (his own gold was considered too light in color) with their steady and precise gait, but he couldn't find anything wrong that would make some horse a preference.
The chamberlain met him as he handed off his rinnebeast to the stable hand. "Your highness, where have you been?" the thin man with white hair said, trembling. "Your father has been looking all over for you."
"I was out checking on the Dunstlay Fields," Avery said. "It was a nice five mile ride. Did you know that they are planting the new grain in them this year?"
"I did not, but you father needs you," the chamberlain said. "The Duchess's ship has just come in the harbor, and they are expecting her at the palace dock any minute. You've not time to change, so I guess your riding outfit will have to do. Hurry now."
Marrissa called out the cadence as she steered the Captain's gig toward the dock. "Stroke, Stroke." The Duchess and her daughter were in the bow. Behind her, the ship's boat was taking Commander La Forge to the harbor to arrange shore lodgings and deliver the Duchess's luggage to her residence in town. They moved toward the dock. "Raise oars, toss the rope ashore!" Marrissa ordered. As protocol demanded, Marrissa climbed off first, to help the Duchess and her daughter off.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," the Duchess said, as she climbed out. Marrissa made to return to the boat and the ship, but the Duchess stopped her. "If you don't mind, I'd like to introduce you to the King, since your Captain and First Mate were not able to come."
"I'm sorry for causing that problem, your grace," Marrissa said. "I should have been more careful, and not knocked the Captain off the back of the ship."
"There was no harm done," the Duchess said. "The Captain can probably get an appointment with the King any day, as he's known to make time to talk to the Captains of his merchant ships. The King has often remarked that his best information on this island nation about other countries comes that way. However, it's not every day that a third mate gets to meet the King, and it's not every day that the King gets to meet a female third mate.
* * *
This chapter contains the words to the Minstrel Boy by Thomas More as the second song. The other two songs are my own works.
The ship's boat was waiting for Captain and Lieutenant Picard. They boarded, and the men began to pull for the Stargazer. The sea was choppy, and the golden sunset was obscured by heavy grey clouds. Marrissa took the tiller, and steered the boat towards the three masted ship. The Stargazer showed some wear, but was freshly painted, having just been beamed down from a specially designed cargo carrier that the Enterprise had towed.
The smell of the sea air was a tonic to the Captain. It renewed his sense of adventure, propelled him beyond duty, and made him wish for simpler times. Ah, to sail on the power of the air on your sails, to follow the sea's current on the sound of the breaking waves.
To Marrissa, this was a new challenge. Challenges were not something that Marrissa backed down from. She was, in a way, like a character in one of her anime, Ranma Saotome. A challenge was a call to battle, and she wouldn't quit until she won.
They pulled along side. "Oars up!" Marrissa ordered. The ship's boat team had spent several hours on the holodeck learning how to do this. "Mr. James, take the tiller." First Marrissa, then the Captain, climbed on board. As the Captain climbed up, the bosun's whistle rang in a three tone greeting.
"Welcome back aboard, Captain," Commander Riker said.
"Ship's status, number one?" Picard asked.
"We're fully stocked and ready to depart," Riker said. "The Duchess and her party are aboard and in the passenger quarters. The evening tide begins in a quarter hour."
"Very well, Number One," Picard said. "We will sail into the setting sun. Raise anchor and prepare for departure."
Marrissa stood on the quarter deck, to the right of the helm. It was the last dog watch, and she was in command. The sun was just coming up, and the Stargazer had picked up a fresh westerly breeze.
She looked down at the main deck. A young girl had just come up out of the hold. It appeared to be the Lady Hayley, who was the Duchess's daughter. Marrissa had met the girl briefly at dinner the previous night. The young blonde girl was Marrissa's age and seemed to be quite curious. Lady Hayley had spent most of dinner questioning La Forge about the ship.
The girl climbed up the starboard ladder to the quarterdeck. "I hope you don't mind me coming up here," the girl said. "I just want to see the sun rise.
"I don't mind," Marrissa said. "Other officers of the watch may, though."
"Officers of the watch?" Lady Hayley asked.
"The person left in command of the ship for a certain length of time," Marrissa said. "It's usually the top five officers, excluding the Captain."
"Why not the Captain?" Hayley asked.
"He's in command all the time," Marrissa said. "An officer of the watch only commands the ship when he's not here. Some people call the position the duty officer."
"Who are those officers?" Hayley asked.
"Well, our first mate, Commander Riker commands the first watch," Marrissa said. "He's that bearded guy who made that colorful toast last night at dinner."
"Your captain looked like he was going throw something at the Commander," Hayley said.
"Quite possibly," Marrissa said. "Our second mate, Lieutenant La Forge commands the second watch. He answered your questions last night at dinner. He came up though the ship's carpentry and still does some work on the side. I'm third mate, and I command the last of the dog watches."
"Dog watches?" Hayley asked.
"The three watches between dusk and dawn," Marrissa said. "They're also called ticks. The first two both last four hours, but the last one can last longer, depending on the time of year, giving it the name 'the long tick.'"
"You know a lot," Hayley said, leaning against the rail.
"Dad insists that I study a lot," Marrissa said. "Especially when we have to go off ship. Be careful with that rail, it's a little lose"
"Why then?" Hayley asked, moving back from the rail.
"It helps prevent you from making mistakes," Marrissa said. "Not all places have the same rules as Ellosia. If you don't know the rules, it's a lot harder to avoid breaking them."
"Oh," Hayley said. "You have nice sunrises at sea."
"Sometimes," Marrissa said. "You can see a lot at sea, with nothing to block your view. Even more when you're at the top of the masts."
"You climb all the way up there?" Hayley said, craning her head to look up to the top.
"Sometimes," Marrissa said. "The Captain doesn't like it when I do though. Calls it a foolish stunt."
"It is, but the view is amazing," Commander Riker said. Marrissa turned to find him standing behind her.
"Good Morning, Commander," Marrissa said. "I believe you know Lady Hayley, she got up to see the sunrise this morning."
"Good Morning, Lady Hayley," Riker said, dipping in a slight bow. "Lieutenant Picard, anything to report."
"Wind is out of the south_east, and our speed is at 12 knots," Marrissa said. "I adjusted course five points to port a half an hour ago. Based on current speed, we should arrive at Sapphire Bay late this afternoon, if the wind holds."
"Very well, Lieutenant, you are relieved," Riker said, turning to stand by the wheel.
"Yes sir," Marrissa said. "If you'd follow me, Lady Hayley, perhaps we can get an early breakfast from the cook."
Beverly Picard adjusted her robe as she entered the Inn. It had been a long ride from Arlipor to the town of Castrome Cross. Though the robes of the Healing Sisterhood of the Order of Saint Cecilia were made thin for the tropical weather of Ellosia, they were somewhat unmanageable compared to the uniform of a Star Fleet Doctor. At her side was Clara, who was dressed in the common attire of the daughter of a wealthy landowner.
"Welcome to the Inn of the Flying Dragon, revered sister," the Innkeeper said. "How may I be of assistance?"
"My charge and I require a simple room for a night's stay and would inquire about possible companions for our journey to Odyssey," Beverly said.
"We have a room available for just a silver," the Innkeeper said.
"That will be fine," Beverly said.
"I believe the minstrel in the corner is on his way to Odyssey, perhaps he will be able to accompany you."
Over in the corner was a minstrel, dressed in worn traveling clothes that were rather well tailored for such a roving harpist. He was signing a popular air, as those in the common room gathered around him.
"Once there was a king from heavens above
A royal beyond measure was he.
The Lord above sent him to rule our fair country
"Once there was a Duchess, Desired was she
Her beauty was the call of the whole country
It's a shame that little brother captured Desiree.
As the minstrel shifted into a instrumental piece, Beverly approached. "Pardon me, sir minstrel, but the Innkeeper tells me that you're heading towards Odyssey on the morn."
"Why, yes, I'm heading to see my younger brother and his wife," the minstrel said.
"I'm Sister Beverly, and this is my charge Clarrissa. We're also going that way, and wondered if we might accompany you."
"Certainly, honored sister. My name is Cedric. If you'll be kind enough to meet me after breakfast is served?" Beverly nodded. "Then it's settled." Then he took up another song. "Here's a little song I used to play in my youth."
"The minstrel boy off to war has gone
In the ranks of death you will find him
His father's sword he hath girdith on,
His wild harp slung behind him
"Land of song sang the warrior bard
Though all the world betrays thee
One sword at least your rights shall guard
On faithful harp shall praise thee.
The road was dusty, and the gait of the rinnebeast was really hurting Clara's rear. For perhaps the hundredth time that day, Clara wished that she could have traded assignments with Marrissa. At least the journey from Arlipor to Castrome, and then to Castrome Cross had been by coach. Unfortunately the coach didn't go past Castrome Cross so here Clara was riding on a rinnebeast on a dusty, rutted road through the middle of nowhere. Marrissa was the one with riding experience, she'd won the darned Belmont Stakes after all. True rinnebeasts weren't horses, they were lizards who ran on their rear legs. How much further was this Capital City and why the heck didn't it have a nice paved road with coaches running back and forth going to it?
"Pardon me, young lady, but you look as if you aren't having a good time," Cedric, the minstrel said.
"I'm riding a beast I've barely ever rode before, in a dusty road, under the hot sun, and you think I should be having a good time?" Clara muttered.
"I know what you need," Cedric said. "We need a traveling song."
A traveling song. That brought horror stories to Clara's mind. Shayna's rendition of "the Laughing Vulcan and his Dog," for instance had particular vivid memories of a near lynching. Then there had been that field trip. It had taken a week for her to get those darn Disney songs out of her mind.
There once was a boy from Verlie
His mother a chambermaid
His father was a stable hand
Loyal Servants they were
The same was expected of him
But the young boy, dreams he had
Oh the sea, the beautiful sea,
So far away, adventure it seems
Let the wind blow me away
and someday a hero I'll be.
So with a hug for his mother
and a word of wisdom from his father
and a kiss from the young girl on the corner
On the road he departed
They expected nothing of him
But the young boy, dreams he had
[Refrain]
On the road, he met many hardships
His belly was empty.
And his feet were tired
Fully of hope, he continued
Much he expected of life
For the young boy, dreams he had
[Refrain]
A lucky encounter with a Lord
and on his way he was sent
A Cabin boy was his job
Aboard the Geraldine.
Obedience was expected of him
But the young boy, dreams he had
[Refrain]
Adventure found the boy
Thrust into battle, brave he served
Though many fell beside him
The boy grew into a man
Expectations the young boy surpassed.
But the young boy, dreams he had
Oh the sea, the beautiful sea,
So far away this adventure seems
Let the wind blow me away
for home there I long to be.
So home he sailed.
A young boy no longer
His bags he packed
And roads he road over the hills
A glimpse of home, he expected.
For the young man, dreams he had.
By the time they stopped for lunch, Clara had forgotten her gripes.
The late afternoon sun shimmered across the deep blue waters of Sapphire Bay, highlighting the tops of the waves. The Stargazer had just arrived and was dropping anchor off shore. As it was Second Watch, Marrissa was standing in the bow of the ship. As the anchor dropped, she pulled out her telescope. Extending it, she scanned the shore. She avoided the town and the saucer, as she wanted a feel for the normal culture, not what ever changes this renegade Captain had made. Riding along the coast on towards town she spied a young man on a strange beast.
It looked like a lizard of some sort, running on it's hind legs. It's fore legs seemed almost useless. It was a golden yellow in color and had a head like some illustration of a dragon Marrissa had once seen. After a moment's thought, she remembered the animal in her briefing, a rinnebeast. As the beast ran, the rider's dark blue cloak with gold edging billowed out behind him. The sun glinted off the hilt of his sword, as it was revealed in the rippling wind. The rider's cowl fell back, revealing his medium length blond hair.
Prince Avery pulled up his rinnebeast by the West shore gate to Odyssey Castle. He was probably going to get a lecture from his father about his ride. The Duchess of Castrome was due in any day, especially since the Duchess preferred sea travel, and he was expected to be there. He was hoping that this meant he could get his choice of bride. Never mind that he hadn't seen Hayley since she was five. She was definitely his choice. Avery just plain hated all the other proposed candidates. And all this haggling and looking over by various ambassadors was making him feel like he was a rinnebeast at action. He got off his mount.
His father had a quainter and older expression for it. A piece of horse flesh. Horses were rare on this planet, none were currently in Ellosia. The Patriarch claimed to have ridden one when he attended a Church Council in Ferigal. Avery thought that the Patriarch was becoming senile. This was not an uncommon thought among the young nobles of Ellosia, and to tell the truth, among the elders as well. Avery's father said that such beasts were once preferred over rinnebeasts. Avery stroked the supple skin over the left eye of his rinnebeast, if his father said it, it probably was true. Though Avery couldn't see why. His personal mount may have not been one of the prize blue green calvary beasts of Fasstime or like the dark gold special royal breeds (his own gold was considered too light in color) with their steady and precise gait, but he couldn't find anything wrong that would make some horse a preference.
The chamberlain met him as he handed off his rinnebeast to the stable hand. "Your highness, where have you been?" the thin man with white hair said, trembling. "Your father has been looking all over for you."
"I was out checking on the Dunstlay Fields," Avery said. "It was a nice five mile ride. Did you know that they are planting the new grain in them this year?"
"I did not, but you father needs you," the chamberlain said. "The Duchess's ship has just come in the harbor, and they are expecting her at the palace dock any minute. You've not time to change, so I guess your riding outfit will have to do. Hurry now."
Marrissa called out the cadence as she steered the Captain's gig toward the dock. "Stroke, Stroke." The Duchess and her daughter were in the bow. Behind her, the ship's boat was taking Commander La Forge to the harbor to arrange shore lodgings and deliver the Duchess's luggage to her residence in town. They moved toward the dock. "Raise oars, toss the rope ashore!" Marrissa ordered. As protocol demanded, Marrissa climbed off first, to help the Duchess and her daughter off.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," the Duchess said, as she climbed out. Marrissa made to return to the boat and the ship, but the Duchess stopped her. "If you don't mind, I'd like to introduce you to the King, since your Captain and First Mate were not able to come."
"I'm sorry for causing that problem, your grace," Marrissa said. "I should have been more careful, and not knocked the Captain off the back of the ship."
"There was no harm done," the Duchess said. "The Captain can probably get an appointment with the King any day, as he's known to make time to talk to the Captains of his merchant ships. The King has often remarked that his best information on this island nation about other countries comes that way. However, it's not every day that a third mate gets to meet the King, and it's not every day that the King gets to meet a female third mate.
* * *
This chapter contains the words to the Minstrel Boy by Thomas More as the second song. The other two songs are my own works.