Chapter 2: Swift Sails

The morning was bright and clear. Delia and Dairren had a quick breakfast in the dining hall and then met the coachman in the courtyard. Justine and Salvatore were there to say a final goodbye, and they were flanked by most of the other faculty and staff members. By the time the siblings climbed into the carriage, tears were flowing freely, and Delia felt her heart breaking again.

Delia spent the short carriage ride trying to soak in every detail of Antiva City. She watched the people as they went about their work, took in the beauty of the vibrant flowers, and smelled the leather factory. Ah, what was it about Antivan leather? She looked at her feet and smiled, remembering when she and Dairren visited the store and bought matching boots. They were the most comfortable boots she had ever owned, and she wouldn't trade them for anything in the world.

Soon the carriage arrived at the docks, and after the driver assisted with their exit from the travel compartment he made sure that their luggage and crates were brought on board their ship. They would be traveling on The Flying Gryphon, a very well respected ship with a Fereldan crew. Dairren took his sisters arm, assisting her walk across the gang plank to the main deck of the ship.

"Welcome aboard The Flying Gryphon," the captain said with a hearty grin. He was a short man with greying dark brown hair, a mischievous glint in his hazel eyes and a golden earing in his right ear. "Ah, the two of you are the Lorens, I presume? I have arranged for adjoining cabins for you. They are each rather small, but they should be comfortable enough. It looks like you are in for fair skies for your journey. Gibbet here will show you the way."

At those words, a slim man moved forward and made a point of looking at Delia, his eyes roaming slowly up and down her body. He broke into a leering grin, showing several missing teeth. "Aye, Capn', I would be more than happy to show them. An' ifn' you need anything, I would be more than happy to oblige you, m'lady."

The tone of his voice made Delia's skin crawl. Dairren noticed his sister's discomfort and replied for them both. "Thank you, ser; I'm sure if we need anything I will be able to attend to it."

"As you wish m'lord. Follow me then."

The two followed Gibbet into the hold of the ship, and their quarters were next to the Captain's near the front. Their room was actually one room that had been divided with a temporary wall, but they had no reason to complain because it was very clean and the cots seemed comfortable enough.

"The cabin boy'll be round to getcha both when it's time for supper. Until then, stay below deck so us working men can get us sailing."

Dairren thanked Gibbet and gave him some silver. As they closed the door on Gibbet's receding form, the two looked at each other, wide eyed, and broke into laughter.

"Dairren, please do me the favor of never leaving me alone during this crossing. I do NOT trust that man. There is something off about him."

"Don't worry. Either I will be at your side personally or I shall endeavor to have either the captain himself or another passenger that you feel safe with in my place. Hopefully the crossing will be swift and we will only be aboard for a few days."

The siblings spent some time arranging the few items they brought to their cabins, and then sat next to each other with books to read. They listened to the bustle on deck, and before long they started to feel the to and fro motion of the ship as it navigated through the waves. The knock of the cabin boy came before they knew it, and he led them to the galley of the ship.

The galley was nothing special, just a large room with long tables and benches. Dairren and Delia sat down with several other passengers. They introduced each other and learned about their traveling companions. Two were a husband and wife originally from Redcliffe Village. Chloe and Vernon seemed to be jovial and generous people and Chloe took delight in having another woman along to converse with. As merchants, they were returning from trading for exotic Antivan spices. Chloe regaled Delia with stories of their family in Redcliffe. Another passenger was an exotic looking young man from the Anderfels. His jet black hair and pale skin seemed very out of place among the Antivan passengers at the other tables. Dairren learned his name was Nehairel, and he was being sent by his family to be a knight at Vigil's Keep. Nehairel smiled shyly at Dalia, and she looked down, smiling shyly back. The final passenger at their table was a portly man named Josiah. He was another merchant who traded fine Antivan leathers. Dairren had a long conversation with him about leather armor and accessories while the group enjoyed their meal.

One group of passengers sat huddled at a table in the corner. What really set them apart was the fact that each one had a hood pulled over their heads. Delia looked toward them, and one, an elf, caught her glance. He glared at her, making her turn her head away. "Another reason to stay in our cabin," she thought to herself.

Finishing their meal, Delia and Dairren excused themselves and went up to the deck. It was a beautiful day, and the wind felt good on their faces. They were careful to stay out of the way of the deck hands, so seemed to work with a rhythm that was almost choreographed like a dance. The captain noticed the two and gestured for them to come over to the ship's wheel.

"My lady, have you ever had an opportunity to steer a ship?" he asked with a smile on his friendly face.

"I can't say that I have," Delia replied with a grin.

"Well, put your hands here, and keep us heading straight. It isn't hard on a wonderful day like today, and you will have a story you can tell your friends about when you arrive in Ferelden!"

Delia smiled broadly as she felt the movement of the ship through the waves and heard the splash of the water alongside the ship. The smell of the salt air was intoxicating, and she truly enjoyed the experience of being in control of the huge vessel. It made her feel powerful. Almost reluctantly she turned the wheel over to her brother so that he could also experience the power and joy. After a short time, he handed the wheel back to the captain, and thanking him they took their leave.

Dairren led his sister back to their cabin, and the two settled into an amiable silence. Delia couldn't help but feel that the Maker was giving them a last chance at brief happiness before they were to be plunged into despair. At least it seemed that the crossing would have fair weather. All she could do was hope and pray that Ferelden would give her the same.