by Unknown
"Now open your eyes,"
Grandfather stood and removed the satchel, revealing a beautifully carved sword, sitting in a dark leather scabbard.
"Kneel."
Shaz knelt in front of grandfather and took the sword. The ebony hilt was encircled with a silver coiled band that went around the cross guard and handle. A small oval shaped crevice sat below in the shoulder of the blade. Shaz knew that this is where he was to put the sapphire he had received from the Dodjen. He took out the stone and placed it in the opening. He repeated the magic words he’d learned from Ceros.
Strange etchings glimmered blue in the triple moonlight. Magic surged from the sword, melding the stone into the steel of the blade. The colors glowed brightly for a few moments, and settled on a dim under tone of blue.
"Apong lalaki, you have been chosen to hold the sword of Bairr Tiornect. It is your destiny to fulfill this calling and return the world to balance," Grandfather said.
He held his hands out in front of him, with his palms facing down. He whispered, in his native tongue, and then his voice became louder and stronger.
"Elements of power: water, air, fire, and earth come to me. Bring with you the knowledge, strength and courage you possess. Spirits of the past, I summon you. Those of the bearers of the sword, be upon this vessel of truth. Strengthen, guide and protect him."
Grandfather put his quivering hands on Shaz's shoulders. The candles in the room grew bigger and brighter, even as the wind and air swirled around the room. It brought the scent of the fresh ocean breeze, grass and berries. A small silvery strand of silk-like thread, appeared just above Shaz. The strand danced about and became a bundle of interwoven threads, lengthening and stretching until it surrounded them.
A chilly mist ran through his bones. He shivered from the icy hot flames in silver and red-orange, which now danced around him. Faces loomed in and out of the haze, as voices filled the air. Memories, visions and knowledge filled his mind. He swayed with dizziness. The icy hot mist, turned to red hot searing pain, that shot up through his core, causing him to gasp for air. He couldn't yell out. His chest tightened and he couldn't move. Panic filled his awareness. He was about to be overcome with total fear. A tingling of magic relieved the pain and the tightness around him. Sweat rolled down his face and back and he sagged onto his heels, breathing heavily.
The faces faded. The wind swirled several more times then evaporated into the darkness. Grandfather's eyes glazed over, making them nearly invisible. Grandfather stared another moment, then with a slight shake, blinked. Shaz rose and gripped the hilt, the tingle of the swords magic surged through his body. Eyes wide, Shaz studied the sword and its markings. Shaz tried to put the thoughts in order as the influx pummeled his attention.
"In the field of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind," Grandfather said tapping his temple with a long skinny finger.
Shaz slid the sword into the scabbard and fastened it to his gold braided belt. Grandfather turned to Jagwynn and held out the box. With sweat glinting on the soft curves of his face, he removed the cloth and opened the box. He pulled out a thick braided collar, studded with the same blue sapphires, and placed it around her neck.
"I will make the necessary arrangements to take you to Ebassia." Grandfather’s throat tightened as he tried to hold back the tears. "I am proud of you my Apong lalaki. Go now, be strong, hold true and come back to me."
With a tear in their eyes Shaz embraced grandfather tightly. Grandfather left the hut leaving Shaz and Jagwynn alone in the cold night.
CHAPTER TWO
The Voyage
Shaz stood on the dock staring into the deep blue expanse of the ocean, Jagwynn at his feet. Small sailing vessels scurried about the shoreline, coming and going. A fleet of thirteen large trading ships arrived and were making port. Sailors from other islands crawled around their ships like fire ants, protecting their hill. Shouts filled the air as the captains barked orders loudly.
Lost in his thoughts Shaz didn’t hear Riddick's large boots clunk down the dock. Riddick, the newly appointed junior ambassador of trade, was being sent to settle a few matters. Shaz would accompany Riddick and the crew, and then he and a smaller crew would continue on through the barrier. Riddick didn't know the plan. Shaz felt bad keeping secrets from his best friend. They were always together and knew everything about each other. Grandfather instructed Shaz, that Captain Yerild was a Dodjen and would take him through the barrier.
"Hey there you are,” The sun crested the tops of the massive Waslick trees to the east bringing with it the bright glow of day. "Lets' get on board, yah?" Riddick said.
"Yup, let's go."
They dodged an onslaught of fowl, and made their way through the many docks and piers, until they located the Mirabella. The captain of the Mirabella was a short, stout man with a long burley beard and large belly. Covered in salty sweat, Captain Yerild clamored across the pier barking orders.
Jagwynn followed behind Shaz, ignoring the stares of the sailors. The three maneuvered the ship's cargo. They climbed up the steep board walk and boarded the ship. Large precise circles of rope lay about the pristine deck that reflected the sun’s rays. All sizes of ropes tied to the masts and bulk heads, weaved back and forth, here and there in a delicate spiders' web.
Strong bronzed men, in tattered dirty tunics pulled and wrapped, heavy ropes securing the sails to the masts. With square knots they checked all of the assembly's. The Mirabella, was a barkentine square rigged on the fore, fore-and-aft rigged on the main and mizzen. The shorter mast, behind the main mast, was on a ketch and aided in the steering of the ship. The crew of about fifty seemed too small for her size.
“Good to see you again.” Captain Yerild said. He wiped his palms on his pants and gripped their forearms. "Batovi, take our guests to their cabins. Show them around and report on deck."
A thin scrawny sailor hurried over and guided them around the ship. They climbed down the ladder into the hull of the ship. Both Shaz and Riddick had to duck. He moved so quickly through the dimly lit corridors, Riddick had a hard time seeing where he had gone. Riddick blinked adjusting to the darkness.
Even with the dimmed light Shaz could still make out all the details. Rows of ropes hung on the side wall. Large wooden poles the length of the ship, rested in hooks secured to the sides. Rows of cannons lined near the edge on the opposite side. They passed the ships galley and the lower cargo-bay hold.
When they arrived at the small cabin Batovi stopped and opened the oval door. The room had two hanging bunks, a wash basin, two trunks, and a small mirror. Batovi bowed and hurried back down the passageway. A small port window rested high up on the wall, letting in a bit of daylight. The bunks had heavy woolen blankets and small pillows tucked in neatly.
"Home sweet home for the next week," Riddick said.
"It's not pristine, that's for sure, but it’s tidy,” said a small lanky boy.
He couldn't be more than ten. They turned to each other with a puzzled grimace. The boy lifted his cap, then stared and Jagwynn with enormous eyes. He hesitated and took a small step toward her.
"What’s your name lad?" asked Shaz.
"William," the boy said staring at Jagwynn.
"This is Jagwynn," Shaz said. Shaz knelt and scratched her belly. He motioned to the boy. "Would you like to pet her?"
"Yes sir!"
"Jagwynn, will you let this lad pet you? His name is William?"
Jagwynn yawned and showed every one of her needle point sharp teeth. Then lay down on the wooden floor. "I think that’s a yes," Shaz said.
The young boy touched her and Jagwynn leaned into his touch. Shaz showed him how to rub her ears and scratch her belly. William enjoyed every minute and so did Jagwynn.
"Hey, I get the lower bunk," Shaz said.
"Why do you get it? I am taller than you."
"Because I am better than you, and because I said so," Shaz said.
"Let's wrestle for it," Riddick said.
"You're on," Shaz said.
But before they could start a brawl, Jagwynn growled and hissed. Pulled back her lips and bore her teeth. William scurried out of the room. An old man with greasy black hair, disheveled about his head and hanging over one eye, stood in the doorway. With the other beady eye and half his teeth, he stared at them. With trepidation they turned and put away their packs, Shaz taking the top bunk and Riddick taking the bottom. After they managed their things, they went to leave the cabin, turning to find the man still there.
"Hello, is there something we can do for you?" Riddick asked.
Shaz tried to hold back a laugh and had to cough to clear his throat seeing Riddick so proper. Riddick shot him a glare. The man stood there without saying a word. His deep charcoal eyes penetrated them.
"What can we do for you?" Riddick asked again.
The old man only stared. They squeezed by him and hurried through the passage ways back toward the top deck.
"Wow, that old man is creepy," Riddick said with a shudder.
"Yeah, no kidding. I didn't know what to do."
"So you met Ole'baggins did you?" a sailor said, laughing. "He's harmless. He lost the sight of one eye in a fight against a white shark years ago and the other one is failing because of old age. He's nearly deaf so he just stares all the time. His nose still works well though. He’s the best cook around."
The sailor pushed a few bags into place.
"Well, he’s still creepy" Riddick said.
The sailor laughed again and said, "My name is Sebastian, welcome aboard."
Topside several men released the tow ropes and mooring lines. Large poles pushed the massive ship off the soft silken bottom near the docks. The tide rippled against the pier rocking the ship gently out to sea. Large sails billowed in the wind. A loud gasp propelled the ship forward. Grandfather stood in the back of the crowd resting on his cane. His father stood behind him in the shadows. Shaz's stomach sunk as the realization hit him that he might never be with them again.
Captain Yerild set a course to the north west of their island. Sailors ran around the ship climbing rope ladders. Scaled the masts and positioned sails. Within a few hours the ship was well underway, letting out a deep spray off the front bow as she cut through the choppy sea at a constant rate. The air was fresh, clean and salty. The spray of cool sea water caressed their skin in the hot noon day sun.
"I love being at sea," Riddick said.
"Aye," Shaz said,
He admired the clear blue sky and the rays of sun that danced on the surface of the sea. Jagwynn quietly stalked the cargo when she wasn’t watching the men. They began to be more at ease with her and some even dared pet her.
"Secure those lines," yelled a sailor to another and pointed to a mass of tangled ropes.
"Aye," another sailor said.
The crew of the Mirabella went about their regular routines, swabbing decks and positioning sails. The sun was bright and a few fluffy clouds spotted the sky. It was going smooth and even though there was plenty to do, Shaz found it hard to keep his attention on his new duties. It wasn't like him to shirk his focus, but with all the voices in his head and the sword constantly humming at his side, he was disorganized and scattered.
By early afternoon on the second day, a heavy gale came on in an adverse direction. Captain Yerild had the top-gallant masts and yards struck to make the ship ride more easily. As the day advanced, the violence of the wind increased. The men worked hard, having to draft off one another in order to move around the ship. Much to their dismay, every effort to manage the ship was in vain. The clouds increased, darkening from every corner of the sky. The winds continued to blow harshly tearing at the sails and spewing sprawling bursts of waves.
"Shaz, Riddick get below deck now," Captain Yerild yelled.
His voice boomed over the waves.
"We can help," Riddick said.
"Not on my ship. I won't be losing passengers."
He slammed his foot against the ship, bracing his body as his white knuckles gripped the helm.
"Let's go," Shaz said.
Riddick shot him a surprised glare, but agreed when he understood the expression on Shaz’s face. They managed the wind and the tossing of the ship to the hatch.
"It's not fair," Riddick said as they reached the galley.
He slumped into a booth and threw his arms across his chest.
"I don't like it either, but he's the captain,"
The ship continued to sway and jolt from side to side. Ole’ Baggins and a few other sailors secured the stove and cooking tools. Jagwynn whined and gripped the wood floors with her claws. Riddick became sea sick from all the jostling about and had to concentrate hard on not retching. Shaz tried to comfort Jagwynn and Riddick, but found it hard not to become sick himself.
Blasts of torrential wind and rain scourged the ship. It wasn’t long until it had become a perfect hurricane. Shouts of panic echoed through the ship. Fifty and sixty foot waves crashed around the ship. A loud crack rippled through the ship's bow, leaving an eerie echo in its wake.
"I can't take it anymore," Shaz jumped from his seat and toward the hatch. Riddick leapt from his seat right behind him. "Riddick, we have got to get to the surface. Help me with this hatch,"
Riddick leapt onto the ladder behind Shaz. They heaved and pulled. They managed to twist the crank just enough to squeeze their hands through the opening. After several long pulls and shoves, the hatch buckled and the wood shot out in all directions. A blast of cold wet air hit them in the face. They hurried out of the lower hold and onto the deck.
A sudden chill ran deep into their bones. The wind whipped around them in a cacophony of twists and gusts. The rain thrust around so hard that it stung their skin like needles. Shattered wood from casks and crates and a tangled mess of ropes flung around in the heavy wind. They grabbed hold of the bulwark rails and leaned into the wind. They managed to make their way to the helm. They were nearly parallel to the ship as the wind brought the ship up in a sideways tilt. William scurried out from the bollard pole with two ropes.
"Tie these around your waist," he yelled.
"What? I can't hear you," Riddick yelled back.
William mimicked tying the rope around his waist and handed them the ropes. They fastened them around their waists. Another loud crack echoed through the ship, sending a shivering wave through the floor. An immensely large wave rose from the starboard side, several fathoms into the air. It gained speed as it rushed toward the ship.
Men yelled over the wind trying to warn each other. Shaz and Riddick leapt toward the main mast to grab onto whatever they could. The wave crashed into the ship, twisting and gnawing at the already stressed planks. The wave disappeared back into the sea, taking several men with it. A dreadful sadness filled the air.
William clung to the bulwark, which now hung off the ships side and dangled over the water. The ship swayed side to side as the waves pummeled from all around. The wind blew enough to make the starboard side smack sideways into the ravaging waves. Shaz ran as fast as he could. He saw that William was going to be swallowed up in the sea. He slid into the bulwark poles and wrapped one leg around them. He reached William a second before the wave toppled over the edge.
Shaz gripped him tightly and both gasped for breath as the mountain high wave crashed onto the ship. A rush of searing pain coursed into Shaz’s body from all angles. The icy cold water tried to strangle the breath out of him. It seemed like hours under the water. As he clung to William’s limp body, a sharp pain stabbed his chest. The iron rod that circled the boom had sheared off and became tangled in the ropes. It sliced through Shaz’s flesh sending deep red blood into the water.
The ship popped back into the air barely before Shaz couldn't hold his breath any longer. He gasped and slid to the deck. The sting of salt water eased into his chest replacing the icy dread. The wound was deep and about a hand and a half long. Riddick held onto the main mast as the ship corrected herself. He let go and slid over to t
he edge. Riddick slipped his arm around William and pulled him off of Shaz. His lips were purple, Riddick checked for breathing. He rolled him onto his side and banged on his back, to force the water out of his lungs. A moment later, Williams' lungs sprang to life and spewed the water out. He coughed and gasped as he struggled to breathe.
Another loud crack sounded in the center of the ship. What sailors were left continued to scurry about, to keep the ship from capsizing and taking the rest of them to a watery grave. Riddick ripped Shaz’s blood soaked shirt into strips and dressed the wound. With as much strength that he could muster, Shaz slowed his breathing to a steady rhythm. It seemed that for a moment the waves had let up.
“Get him below deck and into the galley, take them both to Ole'baggins, he’ll know what to do." Sebastian said.
Riddick untied the ropes from around their waists. The wind continued to whip around them. He hauled Shaz below deck to the small galley and laid him on the table then ran to find Ole Baggins.
"How in the world can that old man do anything? He’s deaf, blind and old," Riddick muttered.
He found him at the aft part of the cargo bay. Riddick grabbed his arm and led him back to Shaz. Jagwynn had found a small cubby hole in the middle of wooden crates until she saw Riddick. It was difficult to walk about the debris of the ship, let alone with a blind man. They reached the galley and Riddick led him to the table. Ole Baggins put his hands on Shaz's chest and removed the soiled cloth. Jagwynn nuzzled Shaz's leg and whined.
"Go get the boy," the old man said.
"What, you speak? I’m not leaving him," Riddick said.
"Go get William. He will die if you don’t bring him to me. Besides Jagwynn’s here and she won't let anything happen to your friend."
Riddick hesitated then dashed out of the room. He skid and slid while dodging holes in the floorboards. He swooped William into his arms and ran back to the porthole. He dodged cross pieces of timber that stuck out of the interior walls and were scattered about the passageways. Drenched with sea water, Riddick clamored into the room holding William.
