Uncharted Waters

Draw your straws

As the island grew and the wind settled as they entered the harbour, Willows eyes gleamed as she took in the sights around her. At least twenty ships lay in the port, with five more waiting to dock. Willow knew they wouldn't have to wait as a regular port lay open for well known boats and crew. First come, first served she thought as she observed the other crew getting restless at the thought of docking. It had been at least two months now since they touched soil and were in dire need of replenishments to continue on. It was also time to collect their payments for the jobs they completed and selling wares they found along the way. 

The captain came out with a smile on his face. "Well lads and lassies, tis time again to gamble your freedom. If you wish to end your journey with us here, speak now for once we take off again, you're tied to this ship till we return again next spring." A few of the newer faces raised their hands to share their wanting to finish and the Captain nods taking out ennui pouches for each member. They were but young teens when they signed up and the Captain had a firm rule that you could not become a full member until you completed three trips. 

This weeded out the weak but ensured that we had enough crew to handle the daily running of the boat, while making sure we had enough warriors to defend our home. It was common for at least twelve teens to leave so when she counted twenty hands, she sighed. Looks like she would be recruiting for them in the evening. She hated when she had to put on a fake dow eyed look and dress less comfortably but it ensured the numbers they needed while giving Willow a chance to beat down on the letcherous members once back on the boat. Willow looked at the Captain as he handed off the last coin purse to the lads leaving and seemed to know she was observing because he grinned as he looked at her making it obvious what was to come. 

"Right so, now that we took out the weak, its time to see who mans the ship for the first half of the day and who'll mind it the second. Line up for your coin and straw. For those who don't know the drill, ten straws have red ink to represent the day shift and ten have black to represent the night. There are also 10 green to assist with taking off the cargo to sell but once one, you are clear to go and wander. The rest are normal and give you the day off. I only need Willow this evening so if she picks a black straw, she is to swap with a red. Am I clear?" his voice boomed with authority but the crew smiled and raised their hands responding with a loud yes.

As each of the crew members came up to collect their coin, some smiled while others moaned getting a coloured straw. Willow had counted five green, nine back and five red so she felt her odds were good. Stepping forward she took a deep breath and grabbed a straw. Looking at it, she grinned. "I'm freeeee" she giggled as she took her coins and made it onto the port before waving off the her crew, including Sebastian who was unlucky as he picked a green straw. 

The air was filled with different smells, some appealing while others not so much. Spices were coming off one boat filling her senses with different smells and interest. The colours were bright and warm to look at as she observed them passed. Turning to the other side, she saw different fabrics leave another boat. Silks of different colours and sizes, leather pelts and fur patterns, balls of wool and coloured ribbons were quickly taken off and passed to a cart waiting to bring it to the fabric markets. Livestock were next to disembark from the boat down the other end of the dock, horses, goats,  cattle, pigs and chickens were carried or brought down to farmers ready to get a good deal. The sounds of trades going on and the sound of the boats knocking lightly off the port gave Willow a sense of calm as she made her way to the edge of the harbour. 

"If it isn't my little white fox," a voice called from behind making Willow stiffen and shudder. Turning around, she saw a well dressed blue eyed, blonde haired man running towards her before wrapping his arms around her neck and squeezing hard. "Louie.... you are.... strangling.... me...." she coughed as he continued to squeeze. "Master Louie, the lady can not breath." Black haired man with a pair of spectacles stood next to him and gripped his shoulder hard. "OUCH, Max.... that hurts." Louie huffs as he releases Willow and smiles. "Well my beloved.... have you missed me much?" Louie dramatically placed his right hand over his forehead. "I have missed the seventy four days we were apart.... each day I threw a flower in the ocean... hoping it would find you...." he smiled happily as he took both of Willows hands making her cringe as she tried to escape his grasp. "Louie... I don't love you.... or want you.... or need you.... Now let me go so I can enjoy my say off." she snapped as she proceeded to try and escape. Louie frowned. "Why are you so cruel, my little fox, you always escape my grasp before I can whisk you away and give you the world. You know my father owns the biggest trading ships in the world so why won't you be my queen." 

Willow sighed, "I don't want to be anyones queen! Now let me go!" she pulled back and escaped, making a quick turn and make her escape. "I'll catch you one day, my little fox... just you wait." Louie called as she ran. "Not in this life time" she mumbled as she proceeded to run towards the village. She had a delivery to make.