Waterborne (Wanderlust 3)

Chapter Four

They stayed docked at the vertical port for three days, doing a bit of trading but mostly restocking their food and fresh water, and giving the crew a break. The port wasn't a proper city, but there was a decent tavern for the men to visit.

Elorie's ship left the day before they did, heading south. That annoyed Tanden as much as it excited him. He was determined that if they crossed paths with Elorie again, he would be more prepared. Knowing more about her employer would help, but asking around the port didn't provide him much information.

Their departure was delayed when the following day was cold and damp. Rain had fallen through the night, leaving a thick, misty fog hovering over the port. From one end of the ship, it was nearly impossible to see the other end. In familiar waters they may have risked moving, but with all the sea stacks and shallows along the coast, Tanden decided it wasn't worth the risk.

It was still cloudy and wet the next morning, but a stiff wind off of the ocean had cleared the fog, and so they set out, following the coast.

Staedin's cliffs gradually sank away, until the land met the water with jungles and sandy beaches. Tanden wasn't sure when exactly they crossed the border into Cratia, but he knew they had when they started passing fishing villages, and finally, a large city with a big port.

The architecture was like nothing Tanden had ever seen. Nearly every building was topped by a dome instead of a flat or peaked roof. Some domes were perfectly rounded, others spiraled up into a point. As if the domes weren't eye catching enough, they were all painted bright colours. Only one was white, the tallest and largest one which seemed to be in the middle of the city. Tanden guessed it was a palace or religious building.

As they sailed into the port, Tanden's attention drifted from the unique buildings to the boats around them. Plenty of them were Alvarian, but he didn't recognize Elorie's anywhere in the crowd.

Once the Wanderlust was tied off, Tanden stood on the stairs to the quarter deck to make one of his typical speeches. One of the most annoying parts about his ankle was that it stopped him from hopping onto the bulwark, his usual perch for addressing the crew.

"Lads, lady." He nodded in Jale's direction. "The further south we get, the less I know. I don't know the name of this city, and I can't speak the language, and I don't know anything about their culture or customs. So with that in mind, I'm going to ask you all to be patient about time off. Everyone's staying on the ship tonight, until I get the lay of the land. But—" he cut off a few grumbles, "—that does not mean I expect you to work! Tonight, we're opening up the wine and ale and we're celebrating! Cratia is our Lady Wanderlust's tenth country, and most of you have been along the whole time. How many people can say they've visited ten countries?" He paused, allowing for murmurs of agreement from the men, and a few cheery shouts. "We've done something incredible, gentlemen. But before the celebration can begin, we need to make sure we take care of our Lady, aye? A couple hours of work, then we'll break open the drinks!"

As the men broke off into their usual work groups, Tanden waved at Ivern. "Ivern, get Roan and Jerios and meet in my quarters. Soren, we need—oh." He paused, because Jale and Ara were already standing with Soren. "Perfect. Follow me."

He hopped down the stairs and led them into the captain's quarters. A moment later, Ivern, Jerios and Roan joined them. Tanden abandoned his crutch and leaned against the dresser underneath his map. The others gathered in a semi-circle around him.

Tanden took a deep breath. "I hate to ask this, but if all of you could remain sober tonight, it might be best. The crew might get a little rowdy, but I trust you three to keep them under control." He nodded towards Ivern, Jerios and Roan. "Jale, I truly hate to say it, but..."