"Good!"

Sinbad summed up the meeting. He just agreed with his captains the plan and schedule for current cargos and cruises.

During the past 15 years along with his wife, with a little help of the old friend and mentor, with the big help of Caliph's house and with huge help of his brother and friends, he build merchant fleet in his home town - Baghdad. His family had merchant traditions, he had merchant experience, royal family had been paying off its debt to him with very good interest, numerous contacts and correlations around the world - all these factors let him create his small merchant empire. Having trusted and experienced captains sailing for him and many other involved people created successful team . Moreover in all these his wealth was increasing. He could easily stop carrying out cruises on his own, but many different reasons like his love to sea and sense of adventures did not let him for that. Still he was delivering some of the cargos on his own. Being the one of the biggest ship exporter and importer of goods in Baghdad along with the legendary reputation and merits for the homeland gave him and his family a high social status. Maeve had been offered counselor's position in the royal council about ten years earlier. She served with her advice to Grand Vizier, Casib himself but also to the queen. She translated royal documents and also was a charity activist in Baghdad and its provinces. They both were well recognized by the Caliph's house and all the others wealthiest families in region.

Although they had their own island where they were trying to create home away from big cities, royal family had given back Sinbad's family house in Baghdad, once taken by Casib who had been still a price that time. A small villa on the coast, in the richest part of town. The house did not stand out from other buildings. Typical architecture of Baghdad. It was used as the headquarters for his fleet. Or rather one of the chamber did. The rest of the house was basically used by him and his family during their stay in Baghdad. Mostly by Maeve.

There was a huge table with maps in the middle of the room and beside the rolls all around and a few chairs that was all. Sinbad and his captains were gathered around the table. Legendary captain did not manage to defeat time. He looked good, handsome as always, still muscular, but some wrinkles and silver hairs came. Even though his hair was cut shortly, gray strands were quite visible. Dressed more like sailor then the rich merchant. Loose, linen shirt and clinging dark pants. Beside him three burly men and one woman were there.

"Fallon, it is long cruise. I will ask Doubar to go with you."

Fallon had used to be once part of Aidan's crew of Adventurers along with Sinbad ages ago. After many years spent at the sea in different roles on different ships she had agreed to sail for Sinbad. She also grew old. Her long hair were now uptight and her facial features became clearer. Still she looked pure and beautiful, as she had always use to. Not like a sailor at all. But she was experienced and trust worth. Sinbad entrusted her important tasks and cargos.

"If you don't need your first mate…"

"I think you need him more." It was an important cruise and very long one, he knew she may need support. "Besides, I have a 'captain in train' on board…" he added sarcastically with a small smile.

She also chuckled. But it seemed that only two of them got the joke.

"If everything is clear, thank you. Wish you fair winds and following seas!" Sinbad turned back at all gathered. Captains nodded knowingly, grabbed some documents and started leaving the room. But not Fallon.

She moved closer to Sinbad but before she said anything he started as first.

"Doubar will help you. He perfectly know the region and …"

In the same while a small tornado barged in. It was Sinbad's biggest adventure – a daughter. 15 years old Marina. Short and petit girl with long brown curls and beautiful blue eyes. One could say that she was almost Sinbad's female copy. Dressed in breezy blue short dress which was really in line with her eyes and sandals typical for the region – with small beads in the Arab designs. On her neck there was a fine gold necklace. It was golden shell decorated with tiny diamond. There were only two such necklaces existing. Twin one belonged to her mother. Sinbad had ordered them once from royal jeweler.

"Guess what! Guess what!" girl was screaming right from the door but after a moment she noticed that not everyone left the meeting. "Good morning Fallon" she bowed politely.

Fallon bowed back at her but it was evident that she was quite disappointed with interrupted talk.

"I thought you have already finished." Marina explained herself to her father.

Sinbad smiled at her and open his arms to embrace her shoulders. "We did, Sweetheart"

"She is so lovely." Fallon complimented.

"This Little Devil? Actually, it is her who rules everything, I am only paying the bills."

Marina made face at her father, she hated when he talked like that. But he just kissed her grumpy nose.

Paused for a while enthusiasm of teenager, got back to her face. "Guess what!"

He exactly knew what but not to spoil her the fun he pretended "Tell me!"

"Mom agreed! I can go with you!"

It was nothing he had not known before. It was actually him who had convinced Maeve last night.

Consistent marriage that definitely wasn't something they could call themselves. But in two cases they always were speaking the same voice. Political views – for Maeve's rank in Caliph's house her husband's backing was very important. That is why for public they were always unanimously. All the disagreements never left their chambers. The same goes for raising Marina. All the decisions they were taking together. Even though it was not easy, as Sinbad was the one allowing daughter for anything and Maeve was that wary parent. However they were trying not to discredit each other's words. Always trying to reach consensus.

The same situation was this time. He had to convinced Maeve to give her approval for Marina's voyage.

She did not like the idea. She did not like the idea of Marina travelling at all. She was simply worry, as the girl was her only child. On the other hand she knew she cannot forbid it to her. Her daughter had the rights to explore the world. She was young, curious, still learning a lot, open for new knowledge and experience. Also she knew how much she likes to spend time with her father. And mutually, how important for Sinbad was the time with Marina. Since the very first years of Marina's life they both used to have secret places, bays. Favorites ports, taverns. Not that Maeve was jealous, she was not at all. She also had a very special bond with her daughter. Most of the time there were only two of them. While Sinbad was sailing they spend the time on their own. Sharing perfect moments while eating together, during lessons as Maeve was also a main teacher for Marina. Long night mom-daughter talks, gossips, fun. When Marina was leaving with her father Maeve was simply feeling lonely but she had no heart to forbid her anything.

"That's wonderful" He kissed her forehead. "Would told you to pack your things but I bet you already did it?"

Marina smiled broadly "I did!"

He was not surprised at all. "Where is your mother now?"

He got up very early this morning when his wife was still sleeping. He had not been able to sleep last night. He called it 'landsickness' but the reason behind it was far different. Not to awake Maeve, he had quietly left the bedroom and had not seen her since then.

"Waiting with the breakfast."

She obviously wanted to still spend some time with both of them or to feed Marina in advance for two weeks.

"Let's join her then."

He forgot that Fallon was still there. To get out kindly of the situation, he asked "Fallon, will you join us?"

She quickly refused. "No, No. Thank you but I would better go. Will see you later." and grabbing parchments prepared for her she moved through the exit.

"See you later in port then!" he added just before her left.

Marina prayed inside for Fallon refusal. She never had felt much liking with her. So did Maeve. Or it was rather that Maeve did not like her and Marina was just solidary.

"I don't like her" she whispered to her father whit evil face.

He just gave her the father's look "Mary, please…" They had been discussing it so many times already that there was no point to start it again.

"Ok, ok…" she played apologetic girl.

"Go on. Your mother is waiting." Sinbad changed the subject and both of them left for a breakfast. Excited girl could not stop talking about what they both gonna do during the voyage.